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yesterday

Match of the Day Launches New Era with Rotating Hosts and Rooney Joins as Pundit

Following Wayne Rooney’s pundit debut, the rotating trio presided over slightly lower overnight figures with viewers offering mixed responses.

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Overview

  • The programme kicked off its 2025/26 season on August 16 with Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan alternating on hosting duties.
  • Wayne Rooney made his punditry debut under a reported £800,000 contract and was criticised by some viewers for his analytical delivery.
  • Overnight ratings for the opening show averaged 1.75 million viewers, compared with 1.84 million for Lineker’s final episode, though digital figures are yet to emerge.
  • Social media users lauded Chapman’s poised presentation style, calling him a “perfect host” as the show sought continuity after Lineker’s exit.
  • Gary Lineker indicated continued engagement by posting a clip of the new series on his Instagram story with the caption “Can’t miss Match of the Day.”