Kelly Cates in awkward TV appearance moments after it is revealed she is ‘quitting Sky to become BBC MOTD host’

KELLY CATES made her first TV appearance since reports emerged she is leaving Sky Sports to join the BBC and Match of The Day.

The presenter awkwardly hosted Super Sunday ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip to Brighton and the Manchester derby.

Kelly Cates made her first TV appearance since reports emerged she is leaving Sky Sports to join the BBC

Cates was joined by Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Micah Richards from the studio at the Etihad.

But it has emerged that Cates could soon be working alongside Richards – also a pundit for the BBC – even more amid a MOTD shake-up.

Host Gary Lineker is to leave his lead position after 26 years with Cates one of three names set to replace the England legend.

According to the Daily Mail, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will share hosting duties on Match of the Day and MOTD2 with Cates.

Both are BBC presenters who have worked on the shows over the last few years.

Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.

She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.

After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.

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The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.

Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.

Lineker started hosting Match of the Day in 1999 and the former Barcelona striker developed into one of the best sports broadcasters in the country. 

He will continue to present FA Cup matches next season before bowing out with the 2026 World Cup in North America.