Gary Lineker, the former Match of the Day host, has shared a funny yet uncomfortable experience from his recent visit to Wimbledon. The 64-year-old broadcaster found himself seated next to 6ft 7ins heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in the Royal Box during Day Five of the Championships, and the encounter left him in physical distress.
Lineker, who attended the event with his youngest son Angus, watched thrilling matches featuring Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz, and Emma Raducanu. However, his focus was often diverted by the discomfort caused by Joshua’s imposing size. The former England striker revealed on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, that he endured leg cramps for nearly seven hours due to the boxer’s wide-legged seating posture.
“I was sitting next to Anthony, and he’s obviously huge,” Lineker explained. “His legs… and the only way he sits, because there wasn’t enough room, was he had his legs wide open. I was forced, for like seven hours, to put my legs in such a position that I got cramp in my inside thigh so badly.”
Despite the discomfort, Lineker refrained from voicing his frustration, joking that he “never had the balls” to ask Joshua to adjust his seating. “I wanted to shout, but I didn’t dare,” he added. “He’s a lovely, lovely guy, and we had a laugh. They were great company for the afternoon.”
Lineker’s co-hosts, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, chimed in with lighthearted banter during the podcast. Richards complimented Lineker’s appearance, while Shearer quipped that the broadcaster’s marvellous look was overshadowed by Joshua’s towering presence.
The event also saw Lineker accompanied by his son Angus, while Joshua was joined by his promoter, Eddie Hearn. Lineker expressed his gratitude to Wimbledon for the invitation, calling it a “lovely” experience despite the physical toll.
This outing comes as Lineker prepares for a new chapter in his career after parting ways with the BBC at the end of the 2024-25 season. His departure marks the end of an era, with Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman set to take over Match of the Day duties.
Meanwhile, Lineker’s humorous anecdote has added a touch of levity to the prestigious Wimbledon event, showcasing the lighter side of sportsmanship and camaraderie among celebrities in the Royal Box.
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