Celebrity from ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’ resigns from BBC programme after 27 years
Ian Wright, aged 60, has declared his departure from Match Of The Day by the season's end. He expressed that this decision has been brewing for some time.
Ian Wright, the former footballer and pundit, a familiar face on the show alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker, has made the decision to depart from BBC’s Match of the Day after an impressive 27-year stint.
In a statement shared on both BBC Sport and his official X account (formerly Twitter), the 60-year-old announced his departure on Sunday. He expressed gratitude for the years spent on the iconic football show, mentioning his debut in 1997 while still an active player and acknowledging the privilege of being part of such an esteemed programme.
Wright highlighted the immense personal significance of Match of the Day, referring to it as his “Holy Grail,” a sentiment that has been integral to his life since childhood. He reminisced about his initial encounter with presenter Des Lynam, where he likened the show to his own “Graceland,” an enduring symbol of reverence.
Expressing anticipation for the upcoming months on the show and the excitement surrounding the potentially thrilling title race, Wright acknowledged the friendships made and the wealth of cherished memories during his tenure.
Ian made his debut on the show in 1997 while he was actively involved in professional football. Following his retirement in 2000, he had two spells on Match Of The Day, spanning from 2002 to 2008 and then from 2015 to the present.
In 2019, he briefly stepped away from the programme to participate in I’m A Celebrity, flying off to Australia. However, his stint on the show ended after 18 days when he was eliminated. Jacqueline Jossa emerged as the victor of that series of the ITV reality show.
Philip Bernie, the Head of BBC Sport content, commented, “Ian has been an outstanding presence on MOTD since his initial appearance over two decades ago.”
His perceptiveness, humour, and affability have greatly delighted and enlightened all those who’ve tuned in to watch him.
‘We’ll feel the absence of his distinctive style and presence as this season draws to a close, but we’re determined to give him the fitting farewell he deserves.’
Gary Lineker, the host of Match of the Day, expressed the ‘honour’ of working alongside his former England team-mate.
Lineker shared on X: ‘It has been an absolute delight and honour to collaborate with you, Ian. You’re one of my dearest individuals on this planet. Farewell, my friend.’
Prior to his appearances on Match Of The Day, Ian relished an impressive football career that began when Crystal Palace signed him at 21. He netted 90 goals for the team, including a pair during the 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Following his triumphs with Crystal Palace, George Graham, then managing Arsenal, secured his signature for a reported £2.5 million in 1991. During his time there, he notched an astounding 185 goals.
By 1998, Ian had transferred to West Ham and subsequently had brief stints at Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Burnley before retiring from professional play.
