ITV Im A Celeb star quits BBC show after 27 years

I'm A Celebrity star Ian Wright has decided to quit BBC show Match of the Day after 27 years.

The 60 year old former footballer and pundit, who is often on the series alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker, announced his departure from MOTD on Sunday through a statement shared on BBC Sport and his official X – formerly Twitter – account.

It reads: "After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I'll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season. I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world."

The statement continued: "Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was a young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told [presenter] Des Lynam, 'This is my Graceland'. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.

"I'm stepping back having made great friends and many great memories. I'm really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing title race."

Ian appeared on the show for the first time in 1997 when he was still playing football professionally. Later, after retiring in 2000, he enjoyed two stints on Match Of The Day- 2002 to 2008 and 2015 to now.

He also took a brief break from the programme in 2019 to jet off to Australia and appear on I'm A Celebrity, where he was eliminated after 18 days. Jacqueline Jossa went on to win that series of the ITV reality show.

Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.

"His insight, wit, and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.

“We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker spoke of the “privilege” to work alongside his former England team-mate.

Lineker said on X: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian.

“One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”

Before Match Of The Day, Ian enjoyed an illustrious football career after he was signed by Crystal Palace at the age of 21. He scored 90 goals for the team including two in the 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United.

In 1991, after his success with Crystal Palace, George Graham, who was Arsenal's manager at the time, signed him to the club for a reported £2.5 million. There, he scored an incredible 185 goals.

In 1998, Ian moved to West Ham and then played for Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley for short periods time of time before retiring.

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