James Corden Tipped To Replace Gary Lineker As Match Of The Day Presenter

James Corden has emerged as a surprise 4/1 contender to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day after it emerged that he will leave his role at 'The Late Late Show' next year.

The 43-year-old actor, producer and television presenter confirmed last week that he will leave the US show in spring 2023.

"When I started this journey, it was always going to be just that. It was going to be a journey, an adventure. I never saw it as my final destination," he said. "I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way."

Corden added: "I always want to love making it. And I really think in a year from now, that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there."

Since the announcement was made, speculation surrounding his next move has made headlines. But what's next for the A League of Their Own presenter?

Well, according to Sports Betting Company OLBG, Corden has been priced up at 4/1 to replace Gary Lineker as host of the much-loved Match of the Day programme on BBC. No, really.

Corden, a well-known West Ham supporter, has admitted to feeling homesick in the past, but whether a job at Match of the Day would present itself to the Gavin and Stacey actor has raised eyebrows amongst fans.

One fan on Twitter wrote: "Stop the world I want to get off," while another said: "No chance, this would be ridiculous."

A third commented: "April Fools Day has been already."

OLBG did say this, however. "The knowledge of football always helps and is something that former player Lineker refers to in his presenting, so this may help Corden get the gig."

It's more likely that Corden will pick up a gig as a weekend talkshow host in the UK, with bookies pricing that up at 1/2.

Last year, rumours emerged surrounding Lineker's future as host of Match of the Day. In fact, Paddy Power slashed prices to step down from the show from 33/1 to 9/1 in a matter of days.

A spokesman at Paddy Power said: “Gary Lineker has been on Match of the Day for so long that it’s hard to imagine Saturday nights without him, but after stepping away from Champions League presenting duties, there’s a sense that he’s easing into a quieter period.

“Jermaine Jenas is the current favourite to replace him, which will definitely be to the delight of all those who complain about his commentary every week.

“But, after Lineker presented a show in his underpants following Leicester’s Premier League title success, there’ll be no danger of a repeat for Jenas doing so on behalf of his beloved Spurs…”

Thoughts on Corden emerging as a surprise contender to replace national treasure Lineker?

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