Gary Lineker’s production company, Goalhanger, is said to be looking at ‘exciting new formats’ which may include a food programme potentially starring a huge celebrity chef
Gary Lineker might work on a new cookery show, it has been claimed(Image: PA)
Gary Lineker is set to go head-to-head with the BBC as he plans a new cookery show that could rival MasterChef, it has been claimed.
According to reports, the broadcaster’s production company, Goalhanger, which currently produces The Rest Is.. series is looking at “exciting new formats” which could include a new food programme. Gary, 65, has been passionate about food since the coronavirus lockdown, and regularly cooks for friends and family, a source said.
Amid claims he might work on a new food show, a few names have been floated around as potential hosts – including Jamie Oliver. However, currently any details of a potential show are under wraps as no plans have yet been confirmed.
Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: “Since lockdown Gary has become a massive foodie, and is regularly in the kitchen conjuring up feasts for friends and family. Doing a food show has long been his dream, but he didn’t know if he could.”
The insider added: “Last week the board held meetings to discuss new formats, and a brilliant new cookery show was front and centre. A few names, including Jamie’s, were thrown around, and an ad has now gone up looking for an experienced producer.
“Food content is absolutely massive on TikTok and Instagram, and this would be a natural extension of this – giving people what they want in a new, longer-form way, but with brilliant, hugely clippable moments being pushed online. Everyone is really excited.”
According to the publication, however, Jamie’s “incredibly busy schedule” means he may not be able to host the show. Currently, it’s not clear which platform a potential show by Gary would air on, but since he left the BBC last year, his The Rest Is Football podcast moved to Netflix.
It comes weeks after Gary managed to find his way on to the latest BBC high earners list despite officially working for just two months in the past financial year. The corporation revealed its annual report for 2025/26, and published its annual list of earnings of some of its highest-paid stars.
He still managed to earn £325,000-£329,999 in his final months. Gary was previously the highest paid presenter on £1.35 million a year. Other top earners at the BBC last year included Greg James, Stephen Nolan, Laura Kuenssberg, Vernon Kay and Alan Shearer. Since leaving the BBC in May last year, the TV presenter went on to sign new contracts with ITV and Netflix.
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