A NEW-look Match of the Day aired for the first time since Gary Lineker’s BBC exit last night — with Mark Chapman in the hot seat to kick off the new season.
Chapman, 51 was joined by ex-England strikers Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney as they analysed games including Man City’s trip to Wolves and Aston Villa hosting Newcastle.
Fan favourite “Chappers” was chosen as a “safe pair of hands” to front the long-running show’s first post-Lineker episode, TV insiders said.
He will share hosting duties with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates as BBC bosses fill the void left by Lineker after 26 years in the famous studio.
Ex Man Utd and Everton player Rooney, 39 – a hugely popular guest pundit last season – signed an £800,000 BBC deal and appeared comfortable alongside Shearer, 55, and Chappers.
A TV source said: “They wanted things off to a smooth start and Chappers is seen as both popular and a safe pair of hands.
“Shearer also provided stability while Wayne has been a real hit with viewers so far and will appear regularly.
“It was quite surprising to have an all-male panel in this day and age, but Kelly and Gabby will both be fronting the show soon.”
We told in May how Lineker, 64, was leaving the BBC by mutual agreement after 26 years after an anti-semitism row.
The star – who had been due to front the Beeb’s 2026 World Cup coverage – is moving to ITV Saturday prime time show, The Box.
His new show will see 12 celebs put in boxes and given daring challenges, and is touted as the successor to Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
It has been described as a cross between I’m A Celebrity and SAS: Who Dares Wins.
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