Football fans tuning into ITV's live coverage of the Germany versus Ivory Coast match on June 20 were left doing a double take as Gary Lineker made a surprise appearance on the panel. The former BBC presenter introduced the show in his first terrestrial television role since leaving the corporation in 2025.
Lineker's Surprise Cameo
Instead of regular host Laura Woods, viewers saw Lineker opening the program, complementing the ITV studio and confirming to viewers it was "real." The set, located in America, features the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Many interpreted his remark as a dig at the BBC, whose World Cup coverage uses a green screen background from Salford.
However, the introduction was a staged joke. Laura Woods soon stepped in, reminding Lineker she was the host, but later asked him to introduce the ad break.
Fan Reactions
Reactions were mixed. One viewer joked: "Gary Lineker on ITV? It's like watching a former EastEnders actor turning up on Coronation Street or Emmerdale." Another called the cameo a "master stroke by ITV." A third commented: "Gary Lineker on ITV then, opening up the programme then was class, good touch from ITV there."
A fourth added: "Gary Lineker bringing up the ITV studio being real backdrop as well as plugging his Netflix show is in Times Square when asked about his ITV show. He's on his own script tonight."
Viewers Threaten to Switch Off
Not everyone was delighted. Some threatened to "switch off" over the move. One irked fan said: "Bad decision. Turned straight off one Gary enough 2 unbearable." Another lamented: "ITV putting together the worst panel in history tonight." A third upset viewer vented: "Thanks for giving me a reason to miss the build-up and miss the 1/2 & full time comments."
Lineker spent more than two decades fronting Match of the Day and was the BBC's lead presenter for major international tournaments before stepping away in 2025.
