Match of the Day presenter, Gary Lineker, is leaving the BBC earlier than anticipated after an anti-semitism row.
He will not be hosting the broadcaster's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and his last show will be Match of the Day on Sunday.
Lineker has been on our screens ever since he shot to fame as a footballer with Leicester City and England. He then went onto host the BBC highlights show in 1999.
See also: Gary Lineker’s most controversial tweets
As his on-screen BBC life gradually comes to an end, let's take a look at the star's off-screen life, including his romantic relationships, and peculiar connection with his ex-wife, Danielle Bux.
Michelle Cockayne
In 1986, Gary married Michelle Cockayne, and the two of them share four children: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus.
20 years after their marriage, Michelle declared that she was divorcing Gary due to “unreasonable behaviour” and she later stated that Gary's activities during their marriage had given her “stress and anxiety.”
Danielle Bux
The presenter started dating Danielle Bux in 2007, who was 20 years his junior. The two eventually got married in Italy.
But in early 2016, after six years of marriage, they declared their separation, allegedly due to different plans to have children.
In 2019, Danielle married American entertainment lawyer Nate Greenwald, and the two had a daughter, Romy.
Lineker stayed on good terms following their split. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2019, he explained: “Danielle and I are best mates, we still speak three times a day, we text all the time. When she comes to London she stays with me, and when I go to LA I see her.”
Speaking to The Times that same month, Lineker suggested that Danielle's desire for children caused their split.
The former England star recalled: “Obviously I would have done, but she said, 'It's not fair on you.' Then I said, 'Well, I'd feel terrible if I stop you doing it.'”
Who is Gary Lineker dating now?
Following his 2016 divorce from Danielle, Gary was rumoured to be seeing chef Gizzi Erskine in 2019 after they were spotted having a good time backstage at the All Points East festival. However, suspicions of a connection were promptly dispelled by the pair.
Regarding his single status in 2021, he told The Times: “I like being on my own. I know it sounds a bit mad.
“I have lots of company. I've got lots of friends and I've also got my boys who come around a lot and I cook for them. I don't feel lonely. I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship.
“I’ve been married most of my adult life. Two really good marriages, I’m friends with both. Danielle's kind of my best mate, so I have that female connection with her. I’m not saying whether it’ll change. It might do. But at the minute I’m very comfortable.”
