Gabby Logan steps into MOTD hosting role as Lineker era ends

Gabby Logan is stepping into one of British television’s most watched roles, becoming a main presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates after Gary Lineker left at the end of last season. The show, the world’s longest-running football highlights program, has moved to a three presenter format as it enters a new era.

In her first interview since taking the job, the 52-year-old broadcaster discussed the historic nature of the change and how viewers may react to a female lead on MOTD. She noted that football broadcasting has broadened its audience over the years and that the move reflects a shift in who can front the program. Logan also spoke candidly about life off the mic, including being an empty nester and navigating menopause, and she touched on how supporters have responded to women at the desk. While she acknowledged that a minority of older fans once saw women in this role as unclear territory, she said the broader reception from women and younger viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. Logan emphasized that the show remains focused on delivering insightful analysis from pundits and maintaining the program’s iconic place on prime-time Saturdays.

The departure of Gary Lineker ends a 26-year tenure at the helm and leaves MOTD with a multi presenter setup that continues a lineage of male hosts dating back to the show’s early years. Logan has served as a standby presenter on the program since 2007 and has experience filling in for major football coverage since the BBC lost the rights to the Premier League highlights in earlier years. She described the role as demanding and high profile, noting that MOTD attracts a level of scrutiny not always seen on other programs. Her aim is to help pundits shine and to translate complex match dynamics into accessible analysis for a broad audience, all while the show adapts to a changing media landscape.

Support for the new format has come from many quarters, including women who have told Logan that the move signals progress for the sport. Some observers who are more traditional in their viewing habits have expressed initial surprise, but Logan said the cultural shift feels real and ongoing. She believes television should reflect society and that it helps widen football’s appeal when the presentation team mirrors the game’s fan base. Her view is that the next generation will simply accept women presenting a marquee show like MOTD, just as audiences have increasingly accepted women in other high profile sports broadcasting roles.

Logan also discussed the practicalities of presenting MOTD on a weekly basis. Because the program is shot in front of a green screen, wardrobe choices are carefully managed to avoid color clashes and visual distractions. She handles her own wardrobe because there is no budget for stylists on the flagship program, favoring classic, unfussy pieces that photograph well and stay presentable under quick mic pack changes. She noted that working in a high volume live environment comes with unique constraints, including avoiding colors that blend into the background and selecting outfits that maintain a clean, professional appearance without drawing attention away from the analysis.

A practical note of the physical side of the job is Logan’s use of a heated vest to stay warm on the touchline in cold weather. The climate around stadiums and during long broadcasts can be challenging, and the vest provides warmth under layered clothing so she can stay comfortable while maintaining focus on the broadcast. Logan added that she has an eye for good outerwear as well, collecting coats she can wear across different shoots. She joked about the heated vest becoming a trend among colleagues and noted its practical value during hours spent outdoors on match days.

Away from the studio, Logan and her husband, Kenny, navigate an almost empty-nester life. The couple, who live in Buckinghamshire, have two children, twins Reuben and Lois, who turned 20 this year. Lois has returned to university, while Reuben recently moved to Manchester to continue his rugby career with Sale Sharks. The shifting family dynamics coincide with a personal sense of freedom that comes with this stage of life, Logan said, as she adjusts to new routines and a quieter home life.

Health and fitness are central to Logan’s public persona both on and off screen. She has long been an advocate for women navigating hormonal changes and is an ambassador for Menopace, a nutritional supplement line. She is also launching The Menopace Strength Test to help women assess and improve their physical strength, with the understanding that strength training can reduce osteoporosis risk, support heart health, and boost mood during menopause. As a former gymnast, Logan has found training in her 50s rewarding and says the focus has shifted from appearance to overall strength and well being. She highlights the importance of training not just for physical health but for resilience and confidence in daily life.

In reflecting on her career, Logan notes the personal evolution that comes with years in a testosterone-rich field. She recalls facing social media criticism early in her career and credits mentors for guiding her through the noise. Her philosophy now centers on prioritizing the people who matter in her work — producers, colleagues, and the athletes and pundits whose insights anchor the program — rather than seeking validation from anonymous online voices. The aim is to present football as something that can be enjoyed by diverse audiences, with a broadcasting team that reflects the sport’s global and multiethnic fan base.

As MOTD enters this new chapter, Logan sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate that sports broadcasting is for everyone. The combination of a more inclusive presenting lineup, continued emphasis on clear, insightful analysis, and practical considerations like wardrobe and climate adaptation signals a modernized approach to one of sport television’s enduring institutions. For Logan, the change represents not a departure from tradition but a purposeful evolution that keeps the program relevant for today’s viewers while honoring its storied history.