Gary Lineker is set to host a new Saturday night game show on ITV called 'The Box', according to reports. The former Match of the Day presenter, who left the BBC in May, has reportedly signed a deal to front the show, which involves celebrities being placed in boxes and completing challenges.
The format, originally from Norway, has been sold to Denmark and now the UK. ITV is reportedly excited about the show, seeing it as a potential successor to 'Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway'. A source told the Sun: 'The Box is massive in Norway, and the rights were quickly sold to Denmark and now the UK. ITV are really excited about it and believe they have finally found a worthy successor to Saturday Night Takeaway.'
Over 10 episodes, 12 celebrity contestants will be placed in separate boxes. When a box opens, the contestant finds themselves in the midst of a challenge. Filming has yet to begin, and ITV declined to comment on the report.
Lineker, 64, parted ways with the BBC in May after apologising for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations. His departure came amid ongoing criticism of his social media output, including a temporary suspension in March 2023 for comments on the government's asylum policy.
The former England captain had been expected to present the 2026 World Cup for the BBC, but plans were scrapped after he reposted a pro-Palestine video containing an antisemitic symbol. Lineker has since criticised the BBC's handling of Gaza-related documentaries.
