TV Specials
Gary Lineker Tipped To Join ITV World Cup 2026 Team
I’ve been following the betting markets and media chatter closely, and there’s growing speculation that Gary Lineker could be part of ITV’s coverage team for the 2026 World Cup. After nearly 30 years with the BBC, rumours suggest he may switch sides and bring his broadcasting experience to a new platform.
Bookmakers currently have him at 3/1 to join ITV’s World Cup 2026 team. That price reflects a sense that many believe this move is possible — not guaranteed, but well within the realm of what people expect. It’s interesting to see those odds because they show confidence that ITV might see value in bringing him on board.
With his long association with Match of the Day and as one of the country’s most recognisable sports presenters, Lineker has profile, credibility, and a large fanbase. If ITV were to land him, it would be a significant coup. For many, that kind of talent move wouldn’t just be about name recognition — it could shift how the public perceives the coverage.
Of course, this speculation comes after Lineker’s announced exit from the BBC. He stepped away from Match of the Day and will no longer be fronting the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup after various controversies. That situation has opened up questions about where his next broadcasting chapter might be.
Part of the attraction for ITV would be the visibility and prestige. World Cup coverage is one of the biggest global sporting platforms, and having someone with Lineker’s gravitas would strengthen their on-air line-up. From what the betting odds suggest, many believe ITV could be very interested in leveraging his talent.
But it’s also worth noting that “tipped” doesn’t mean set in stone. There are many moving parts — contracts, costs, and public image all play big roles. Even if the betting markets lean toward it, that doesn’t guarantee that ITV will, or can, make it happen.
For me, this feels like a crossroads moment for Lineker. If he does make the move, it would mark a major transition in his career — leaving the organisation that defined him for decades, and adapting to a different broadcasting environment. It would also signal something about how sports broadcasting is changing, especially with personalities moving between networks.
Whether or not the move happens, I’ll be watching closely. The odds shortening is one thing; the announcement is another. If ITV does bring Gary Lineker into their World Cup 2026 coverage, it would be headline-making — both for sports media and for fans who’ve followed his career for years.
Strictly Come Dancing looks set to be a two horse race in 2025
After a dramatic week in the ballroom, the odds have shifted once again and bookmakers have now ‘named’ their clear favourite. With BBC’s iconic dancing competition in its 23rd series, and the final run with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the show is heading into a pivotal semi-final weekend.
George Clarke has reasserted himself at the top of the Strictly Come Dancing betting, with William Hill trimming the internet star into the 8/11 favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy. His resurgence comes after a brief challenge from former England footballer Karen Carney, who has now drifted to 5/4.
Dave James of What Are The Odds said Clarke’s move back into odds-on territory “signals a major shift in momentum” ahead of the semi-finals.
“George Clarke has firmly reasserted himself at the top of the Strictly market, shortening to 8/11 from 6/5, and he may now be the one to beat,” he explained.
“Karen Carney had enjoyed a remarkable surge, but drifting to 5/4 from 5/6 suggests the tide has turned again. Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies remain lively contenders, yet at 12/1 and 28/1 the market still views them as outsiders. With the competition heating up, punters are clearly anticipating a tight two-horse race as we head into the final stages.”
Behind the front runners, there is a notable gap in the market. Balvinder Sopal is priced at 12/1, while Amber Davies who has achieved several perfect scores this series — sits further back at 28/1.
With one of the four remaining celebrities set to lift the Glitterball Trophy later this month, Saturday night’s semi-final on BBC One promises to be crucial.
Will Clarke extend his lead, or can Carney mount one final challenge?
Strictly Come Dancing will be waltzing into a brand new era as long time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have confirmed they’ll be stepping down at the end of the current series.
Tess Daly has fronted the show since its debut 21 years ago, while Claudia joined as co host in 2014, forming one of the most iconic presenting partnerships in British television. Their warmth, humour and on-screen chemistry have been key to the show’s enduring success.
With their exit confirmed, bookmakers have wasted no time releasing the Next Strictly Presenter odds on who could take over one of TV’s most glamorous hosting gigs.
Whataretheodds.co.uk have compiled the latest odds from across the bookmakers to bring the latest contenders.
Latest Odds to Replace Tess and Claudia
| Candidate | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Janette Manrara | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Fleur East | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Zoe Ball | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Roman Kemp | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Rylan Clark | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Alesha Dixon | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Oti Mabuse | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Alison Hammond | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Hannah Waddingham | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Holly Willoughby | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Whataretheodds.co.uk Celebrity Expert Dave James commented:
“I’m sure the BBC will be looking for a smooth transition and ‘Auntie’ always tends to look close to home when replacing presenters and a safe option will be paramount. Janette Manrara is the clear fan favourite and of course an expert on all things Strictly. “
“The It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly professional knows the show inside out and would bring warmth and familiarity to the role. If Tess and Claudia are the golden era of Strictly, Janette could easily be the start of the next. She’s rightly at the top of the market and I think she is the clear favourite.”
He added: “Fleur East is also another who has really impressed since joining It Takes Two and with Janette they have formed the perfect partnership. They look the perfect pairing at the moment. She’s confident and chrismatic, and really connects with the Strictly audience. She’d be a welcome addition to the flagship show and the BBC will surely be looking for a safe option.”
“At 3/1, Zoe Ball remains firmly in the running as well. She has the perfect mix of professionalism, having hosted It Takes Two for years, she’s got the experience to hit the ground running. ”
With the BBC expected to confirm their replacements early next year, all eyes will be on who can bring their own shine to the Strictly ballroom.
With I’m A Celebrity 2026 starting this week, here are the latest odds movement and Celebrity elimination odds on the potential winner over the weekend.
| Contestant | Odds | Estimated Chance of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Kemp | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Lisa Riley | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Kelly Brook | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Jack Osbourne | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Tom Read Wilson | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Alex Scott | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Angry Ginge | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Eddie Kadi | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Vogue Williams | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Aitch | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Shona McGarty | 11/1 | 8.3% |
| Ruby Wax | 12/1 | 7.7% |
What Are The Odds spokesman David James gives his opinions on the favourites.
Martin Kemp 2/1
“The 2026 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded line-ups in years with household names from music, sport, comedy and soapland heading to the Australian jungle. Leading the betting this year is Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, who’s been installed as the early 2/1 favourite to be crowned King of the Jungle. The 64-year-old ’80s icon is expected to win over viewers with his charm, charisma and inevitable campfire singalongs. Martin’s a true household name from topping the charts with Spandau Ballet in the ’80s to his unforgettable stint in EastEnders in the 2000s. He’s a fantastic signing for this year’s show, and there’s a real buzz about seeing him take on the jungle.”
Lisa Riley 3/1
“Hot on his heels is Emmerdale favourite Lisa Riley (3/1), who’s long been linked with the show. The much loved actress, known for her role as Mandy Dingle,is finally swapping the Dales for the jungle, and fans are already backing her in their droves.
Lisa’s finally stopped saying no to the jungle after years of offers and fans can’t wait to see her in action. She’s admitted she might be ‘too much of a coper’ for good telly, but knowing Lisa, she’ll bring her trademark confidence, big personality, and even a few dance routines around the campfire. She’s more than ready to take on the cockroaches!”
Kelly Brook 5/1
“Former Love Island host and model Kelly Brook (5/1) is another big name heading Down Under, reportedly signing a lucrative ITV deal after years of turning down the offer. ITV bosses have been keen to sign Kelly for years and many think she could be their sexiest contestant ever. She came across really well with audiences on Celebrity Race Across the World and is glamorous, witty, and a familiar face to viewers thanks to her time on Loose Women and other ITV shows. Kelly’s the full package and guaranteed to make perfect TV viewing.”
Jack Osbourne 5/1
“The Osbournes star Jack Osbourne (5/1) will bring rock ’n’ roll to the outback, making his jungle debut following the death of his father, music legend Ozzy Osbourne, earlier this year.Jack’s had a tough few months following the loss of his dad, but I’m A Celeb bosses are thrilled to have him on board. He’s been a star in his own right ever since The Osbournes burst onto screens over two decades ago, and viewers will be eager to see this next chapter in his story”
Joining her on those odds is Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson (5/1), whose warm wit could make him a camp favourite.
Elsewhere, Football Focus presenter Alex Scott (6/1) and social media sensation Angry Ginge (6/1) are both tipped to go far. Scott brings competitive spirit and confidence, while Angry Ginge’s passionate personality could see him win over the nation just as he has millions online.
Comedy fans will be cheering on Eddie Kadi (8/1), whose quick humour should keep spirits high. Vogue Williams (9/1) adds glamour to the line-up, while BRIT Award-winning rapper Aitch (10/1) could surprise a few people as the first rapper in camp since Tinchy Stryder.
Rounding off the confirmed stars are EastEnders actress Shona McGarty (11/1) and the inimitable Ruby Wax (12/1), whose wit and sharp questions promise to keep things lively around the campfire.”
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