Entertainment
Dan Walker jokes about Gary Lineker replacing him on Football Focus as he quits the BBC show after 12 years
Dan Walker put forward Gary Lineker as his replacement on Football Focus after he quit the programme after 12 years.
The BBC Breakfast presenter said it was ‘time for someone else to take the reigns’ but insisted he would still be a part of BBC Sport.
His colleagues sent him their well wishes – and their takeover bids courtesy of one Piers Morgan – including presenter Gary Lineker, who tweeted that whoever replaced Dan has a lot to live up to.
Gary said: ‘Good luck with whatever comes next. @mrdanwalker, you’ve been a brilliant host of Football Focus. Long trousers to fill for whoever takes your place. Well played.’
Sharing his tweet on his own timeline, the newsreader joked: ‘Job swap?’
However he was rebuffed as Gary replied: ‘I’m guessing your shoe size is enormous. I’ll stick.’
‘First you steal my crisps…’ Dan added.
Dan began presenting Football Focus in 2009, taking over the helm from Manish Bhasin – who left the position for the Football League Show.
It has not yet been revealed who will take over from him on the series, which airs on BBC One on Saturdays.
Announcing his exit this week, the TV presenter said: ‘This is going to be my last season presenting Football Focus. It’s been a real pleasure and an amazing 12 years, and I can honestly say I’ve loved every single second of it.
‘I’m really proud about the job that we’ve done, the changes we’ve made to the show, the issues we’ve looked at, and at a time when the football landscape immeasurably.
‘But, having said all that, after 12 years it’s time for someone else to take the reins.’
‘I’m really going to miss the magic of the programme, the opportunities it has given me, the great friends, many friends I’ve made along the way,’ he continued.
‘And the thousands and thousands of conversations I’ve had with people who thankfully love the show as much as I do.
‘I won’t be disappearing, I’ll still be on Breakfast, and you’ll see me elsewhere across BBC Sport, including the Olympics, the show on that this summer.
‘I’m also really looking forward to letting you know about one or two other exciting opportunities further down the road.’
Dan concluded the post: ‘The last thing I want to say is thank you. First of all to the amazing team behind the programme who put in so much love, care and effort every single week, to get us on air.
‘Thank you for all the comments, all the questions and for tuning in, giving us record audiences for a programme that’s been on air since 1974.
‘I really hope you enjoy the rest of the season and I’ll see you soon.’
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