Gary Lineker announces he's quitting another major BBC role after Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker was recently dropped from Match of the Day (Image: Getty)

A BBC spokesperson has announced that Gary Lineker will be stepping down from Sports Personality of the Year, just hours after it was confirmed that he was leaving Match of the Day.

A BBC SPOTY spokesperson told the PA news agency: "We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.

"After 23 years, last year's 70th anniversary was his final show."

The awards ceremony usually takes place at the end of December and celebrates the achievements over the last 12 months, from local heroes to international super stars.

PA also confirmed that last year's ceremony, which Gary hosted alongside Alex Scott, and TV presenters Gabby Logan and Clare Balding, is to be his last.

Gary will also be stepping away from Match of the Day, which he has presented since 1999.

Just a few weeks ago, the Daily Mail claimed to have obtained sight of an internal BBC email which shows a statement cutting ties with Lineker. The BBC denied any notion of Gary's departure at the time.

They stated to the publication: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."

In a separate exchange, Lineker spoke to a journalist who appeared outside his home in Barnes, replying with: "F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away."

On Tuesday 12 November, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said in a statement: "After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.

"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.

"He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

Gary will continue fronting the 'MOTD Top Ten' podcast while his 'The Rest is Football' podcast will air on BBC Sounds.