Gary Lineker will host new ITV game show 'Sitting on a Fortune'.

Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker

The 60-year-old former footballer, who hosts 'Match of the Day' for the BBC, has signed a huge deal with rivals ITV to present the upcoming show.

Gary said: “From the moment I heard about this new show, it sounded like an exhilarating concept. This really is high-stakes, high tension, high drama - everything a great game show should be. I can’t wait for the viewers at home to experience the fun and the excitement of Sitting On A Fortune.”

The quiz features six players all trying to be in the right place at the right time to take away a potentially lifechanging amount of money.

In the show, players will take to the stage and position themselves in a row of seats, one behind another.

Only the player in the chair at the head of the line will be allowed to answer questions, stay in the game and have the chance of winning the jackpot.

Each time a player gets an answer wrong, they are relegated to the back of the line, putting them in danger of leaving with nothing.

Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning for ITV, said: “We are delighted to be working with Gary on this new show that is all about players backing themselves and showing courage – something he knows all about.”

Much has been made of Gary's BBC salary, but this year he signed a new five-year contract and agreed to a £400,000 pay cut.

Director General Tim Davie commented: "Gary Lineker has signed up to a new five-year contract saving a quarter over his last contract."

Gary, whose latest deal keeps him at the BBC until 2025, added: "I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team."


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