Gary Lineker set to go head-to-head with BBC as he plots new cookery show with big name chef the frontrunner to host

FOOTIE foodie Gary Lineker is looking to whip up a new cookery show — and Jamie Oliver is a frontrunner to host it, sources claim. The former Match of the Day presenter’s production company Goalhanger is said to be eyeing “exciting new formats”, including a food programme which could see it take on BBC’s MasterChef. Gary Lineker is set to go head-to-head withthe BBC as he plots a new cookery show Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The food programme could take on BBC’s MasterChef Credit: BBC Lineker’s company currently produces the hugely successful The Rest Is… series, which covers areas including football, history and politics. A source told The Sun: “Since lockdown Gary has become a massive foodie, and is regularly in the kitchen conjuring up feasts for friends and family. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “Doing a food show has long been his dream, but he didn’t know if he could. “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. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER Jamie Oliver is a frontrunner to host the show, sources claim Credit: Getty Lineker left the BBC last year Credit: Getty “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.” However, a source said Jamie’s “incredibly busy schedule” meant he may not be able to host the show, “depending on timings”. Lineker left the BBC last year after an online post deemed to be antisemitic. His The Rest Is Football podcast, with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, went to Netflix for the World Cup in a reported £14million deal. Most read in TV Comment now