Kelly Cates' Sky Sports role clarified as presenter confirmed as MOTD host
Kelly Cates will join Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan in presenting BBC Premier League highlights show Match of the Day next season, with the trio combining to replace Gary Lineker
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorKelly Cates will not be leaving her role with Sky Sports, despite being confirmed as part of the BBC's new Match of the Day presenter line-up.
The BBC have announced that Cates, 49, will be one of three hosts, sharing lead presenting duties with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season. The decision comes after Gary Lineker revealed in November that he'd be stepping down from hosting the BBC's flagship Premier League highlights show after 26 years in the hot seat.
Reports of the BBC's decision to go with a three-person team emerged last month and it was assumed that Cates would be leaving Sky as a result. But the Glasgow-born presenter, who's the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, will continue to work for the rival broadcaster, where she hosts their Friday and Saturday Night Football programmes.
Chapman and Logan are BBC television stalwarts, although Cates does already present BBC Radio 5 Live's coverage of Tuesday night sports programme. Along with Logan, Cates will become the first woman to hold the MOTD presenting job permanently. Chapman, on other hand, hosts Match of the Day 2 and has often filled in for Lineker during absences.
"Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that's going to be a really incredible moment," Cates said following Wednesday's announcement. "I've worked with a lot of the pundits before and they're all fantastic, so I'm just looking forward to getting started.
"I've known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that's what makes it so exciting too."
Alex Kay-Jelski, the director of BBC Sport, added: "I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season. They're brilliant at what they do, and Match of the Day viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed.
Is this a good decision from the BBC? Have your say in the comments section.
"Gary has done a phenomenal job at Match of the Day for the last 26 years. He'll be missed greatly and we all still get to enjoy him on our screens across some of football's greatest tournaments.
"Outside of Match of the Day we've got some great new shows, voices and surprises lined up for the 2025/26 season across audio, video and digital. And we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year. It's a truly exciting time for BBC Sport's football coverage."
Lineker remains under contract with the BBC for another 18 months. The former England striker will continue to present their FA Cup coverage next season before leaving after the 2026 World Cup.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£35 (was £43)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.