Match of the Day legend makes surprise live TV return as the former BBC host presents coverage of veteran darts event featuring sporting icons

A legendary former Match of the Day host made a shock return to live television as fans tuned in to see the iconic presenter covering a veteran darts matchup.

The BBC have remained coy on Gary Lineker’s future as MOTD anchor with Mail Sport previously revealing a leaked email suggesting he was set to leave after Saturday’s show.

Lineker is under contract with the organisation until the end of the season with it being widely expected that he will then terminate his association with the organisation.

The 63-year-old won’t be short of options if he does call time on his iconic MOTD reign and could follow in the footsteps of one of the show’s former presenters.

Former MOTD host Ray Stubbs make a shock return to television by presenting coverage of the World Seniors Matchplay on TNT Sports.

Ray Stubbs previously hosted several iconic sports shows during his time at the broadcaster

Stubbs was previously one of the BBC’s most popular sports presenters during a spell between 1993 and 2009 that saw him cover on MOTD, along with hosting iconic shows Grandstand and Sportsnight.

The 68-year-old also previously worked on coverage of the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, along with presenting at Euro 96.

He later moved to ESPN in 2009, but is now back on UK screens specialising in darts and snooker presenting.

Stubbs presented the 2023 World Seniors Snooker Championship on Channel 5 last year and will provide coverage throughout the World Seniors Matchplay that was meant to feature darts legend Phil Taylor.

However, Taylor had to make a late withdrawal from the competition citing pain caused by recent hip replacement surgery.

Stubbs (right) is continuing to provide expert coverage of darts and snooker in the UK

‘Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the WSDT Seniors World Matchplay,’ he said.

‘After having hip replacement surgery, I have been feeling pain in the last few weeks, and the consultants have advised against playing this weekend.’