Mark Chapman joked that he was getting “the practice in” as he presented Match of the Day on Wednesday night. The 51-year-old has been confirmed as one of three new hosts for the Premier League highlights show, replacing Gary Lineker.
Chapman, who often hosts Match of the Day 2 and midweek editions of the programme, will front the show from the start of the 2025-26 season. He will share duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.
Breaking the ice on Wednesday’s Match of the Day, Chapman opened the show with a deadpan joke, telling viewers: “Evening, thought I’d get the practice in…”
The quip prompted laughter from guests Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Shearer responded: “You haven’t wasted any time, have you? Six months too early!”
Chapman concluded: “It’s going to be a long night, eh?”
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