Kelly Cates is joining the BBC to host Match of the Day from next season in a major blow to Sky Sports – as part of a three-person presenting team to replace Gary Lineker

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, will leave for the BBC at the end of the season following the departure of Gary Lineker.

Cates is expected to 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 the trio.

Sky bosses are deeply saddened by the loss of the 49-year-old.

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

Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experiences with the BBC have clearly been to her advantage.

Gary Lineker, who has presented MOTD since 1999, will leave next May after 26 years

Cates’ departure from Sky is a major blow to the broadcaster, with bosses deeply saddened

Cates will present MOTD in rotation alongside Gabby Logan (left) and Mark Chapman

She regularly presents on Radio 5 Live, has hosted 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge coup – especially given the increase in live matches on Sky next season.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring down the curtain 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, led by new sporting director Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a new direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering adding a news element to the show.

The BBC and Sky Sports have been contacted for comment.

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