Gary Lineker turns down Good Morning Britain job offer to replace Piers Morgan

To exclude, to expel:

Gary Lineker was considered a candidate to replace Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, but he turned down the opportunity because he could not play early. He previously said he ‘couldn’t function before 9am’

Match of the Day star Gary Lineker turned down the chance to be on Good Morning Britain – because he couldn’t face off anytime soon.

The BBC star has spoken out about replacing Piers Morgan as the new permanent presenter on Earlybird, alongside longtime presenter Susanna Reid.

Lineker, who frequently expresses strong views on Twitter, is seen as an excellent candidate to replace motormouth Morgan, who stormed in succession over Meghan Markle last year.

But the former footballer, 61, admits it’s not the job for him. An insider revealed: “He turned it down right away and said he would never be able to handle pre-dawn starts.

“He said he wouldn’t be leaving until at least 9am so it wouldn’t be him shooting all the cylinders before breakfast. He said it was just not for him.”

News that the father-of-four had been approached for the role comes after he was asked if he would have liked to host a breakfast show last year.

Speaking in September, he told a journalist: “I’m not active before nine, I have to drink three cups of coffee just to talk to you. No, no, no, thanks. ”

The task of finding a permanent host for GMB has turned out to be more complicated than expected.

Since Morgan’s sudden departure last spring, Good Morning Britain has had a host of independent hosts, including Richard Madeley, Adil Ray, Martin Lewis, Alastair Campbell and Ed Balls.

Amol Rajan, one of the presenters of Radio 4’s Today programme, also turned down the role, choosing to stay at the BBC.

Last year, Lineker gave up his well-earned job on BT Sport after six years. He said he wanted to spend his time doing other things, explaining at the time: “I want to thank BT Sport for the generous extension offer but,
After much thought, I have decided to call it a day. I feel it’s time to do the things I’ve always promised myself to do: for example follow Leicester across Europe with my sons (how many chances will we have?)”

Lineker representatives did not respond to a request for comment today.