It's all over for Lineker and Gower

They Think It’s All Over stars Gary Lineker and David Gower are quitting the show, it was announced today.

The pair have decided to leave after eight years as team captains on the hit BBC1 series.

The show will carry on without them and two other sporting stars will be brought in as replacements when it returns to our screens in the autumn.

A spokeswoman for the show said: “Gary Lineker and David Gower are leaving the series after eight years by mutual consent and their replacements will be revealed later in the year.

“We thank them for entertaining viewers and being prepared to be the butt of many a joke.”

Host Nick Hancock and regular team members Jonathan Ross and Rory McGrath are all staying with the programme.

Ex-England football captain Lineker is reported to be looking for other projects in addition to hosting the BBC’s Match of the Day.

Gower, former England cricket captain, is currently a commentator for Sky Sports.

Names in the frame as replacements may include snooker player Steve Davis and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who both stood in as guest captains in the last series while Gower was away.

Jon Holmes, who manages Lineker and Gower, said: “Gary and David have been delighted to be part of such a successful series and wish the show every success in the future.”