Strictly 2025: Could Gary Lineker Swap His Boots For The Ballroom?

Getting On The Floor

Series 23 of the ever-popular Strictly Come Dancing is almost here. The BBC staple is set to begin this Autumn – and rumours are rife about which celebrities will be heading to the ballroom. From ex-reality stars to the queen’s son, there are many figures being talked up as potential participants.

A recent entry to the rumour mill is Gary Lineker.

While rumours were common during his football career, being strongly linked to a dancing career – even a fleeting one – is a little different. Yet since leaving behind his high-profile role at Match of the Day, Lineker has a lot more time on his hands. So, could he swap his boots for the ballroom?

What Are the Odds?

Gary Lineker has become a household name in sports broadcasting due to his 25-year stint as MOTD presenter. However, it seems the next chapter in his professional life could take a surprise turn.

Hosting a podcast is the most likely move at 2/1 according to Betway’s blog, What’s Next for Gary Lineker? This seems like a logical progression considering his existing podcast work and laidback broadcasting style. However, among the more leftfield options is Strictly, sat at a relatively low 5/1.

These odds are the same as Celebrity MasterChef and being the new host of Question of Sport. Oh, and a special advisor role to the Labour Party also sits at 5/1. While Lineker has dismissed political ambitions in the past, his growing public presence outside sport – along with social media comments on government issues – keeps such options in the public’s imagination.

Fancy a longshot? The Betway odds stand at 20/1 for him to become mayor of Leicester City, while it’s 33/1 for Lineker to become chairman of Walkers – the crisps company he was been the face of for over three decades.

Based on the odds, Strictly ultimately sits in the mid-range of plausible next moves. It’s far from nailed-on, obviously, but it’s also far from impossible.

Who Else Might Join Strictly in 2025?

The Strictly rumour mill has been buzzing for some time now. Although Gary Lineker has emerged as a potential entry, he’s not the only headline-grabber. The 2025 line-up is expected to have that usual blend of athletes, reality stars, and broadcasters – as well as a potential touch of royal family drama.

According to HuffPost, here are some of the other names in the mix:

• Stacey Solomon: TV presenter and influencer. winner of I’m a Celebrity 2010.
• Tom Parker Bowles: Son of Queen Camilla. Food writer and critic.
• Georgia Toffolo: Made In Chelsea star. Winner of I’m a Celebrity 2017.
• Craig Rowe: Travel expert and television presenter.
• Ashley Cain: Former footballer turned reality star.
• Thomas Skinner: Former candidate on The Apprentice and Celebrity MasterChef competitor.

Regardless of the rumours, Strictly always throws in a few surprises with its line-up. That could open the door for 5/1 shot Lineker to join up.

So, Would Lineker Really Do the Show?

It’s true: it might seem unlikely at first glance. However, Lineker isn’t a stranger to stepping outside his comfort zone. From cheeky ads for Walkers to outspoken political commentary, he’s built a second career far away from the football pitch.

Another point: with MOTD in the rear-view mirror, joining Strictly would keep him in the public eye. It could also make him appeal to whole new demographic and generation of fans. Strictly bosses wouldn’t turn their nose up at him joining, either. Lineker’s affable, easy-going presence would fit well with the show’s tone. He’s also a major name compared to the influencer and soap star pool that’s regularly used.

Conclusion

Even with his recent, abrupt departure from the BBC, Strictly would love to add a figure like Gary Lineker to their 2025 roster. However, the former football star isn’t going to be short of offers. Whether he decides to take a step back from public view or jump head-first into a new venture, it seems unlikely that Strictly will be next up. However, stranger things have happened. Just ask Lineker about his beloved Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2016!