Daily Mail: Kelly Cates is joining BBC to host MOTD from next season

Story from Daily Mail:

Kelly Cates is to leave Sky Sports to become part of a three-person team of Match of the Day presenters, Mail Sport understands.

The highly-regarded broadcaster, daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, will head to the BBC at the end of the season following the departure of Gary Lineker.

It is expected that Cates will join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the three of trio.

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old.

However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading external to replace Lineker when he leaves at the end of the season.

Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experience with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.

She regularly presents on Radio 5 Live, used to host 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge coup - especially given the uplift in the number of live matches on Sky next season.

It is understood that the three are already close and are looking forward to working together. They are of a similar age and have developed over a similar time period.

In Chapman's case, the sharing of the role enables him to continue with his radio work for the BBC, which he is known to be passionate about.

Those who know them say the group are humble and there are no issues with the limelight being shared. Indeed, the format is one that seems to be a good fit for all involved.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring the curtain down after 26 years. The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

It is understood executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a fresh direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering bringing a news element to the show.

The BBC said they 'does not respond to speculation'. Sky Sports declined to comment.