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Veteran sports presenter Jeff Stelling has given his vote of confidence for Mark Chapman to become the new face of the BBC's Match of the Day, following Gary Lineker's departure from the show at season's end, which will conclude a remarkable 25-year run. As conjecture grows over who will take up the mantle, Stelling is endorsing Chapman, currently the host of Match of the Day 2 and a valued member of the BBC team. Despite Chapman reportedly passing up a job-share offer including Kelly Somers, Stelling sees him as an ideal candidate.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Stelling praised Chapman: "Chappers is the man for the job. Great presenter, nice sense of humour, good rapport with the guests, he's got to be the man, surely." Respected for his tenure on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Stelling has shared his views on the evolving nature of TV broadcasting, particularly noting how demographic targeting is influencing content.



He argues that the focus should remain on quality rather than chasing demographics and critiques the increasing prominence of social media stars in mainstream presenting roles, as noted by reports in the Mirror. "Demographics? I've never bought the stuff about a new demographic," he declared. "It's a forlorn pursuit to look for a younger audience that probably aren't interested in the programme anyway by having younger presenters, influencers, social-media types.

I've never believed that was the way forward. "Call me old-fashioned, but I've always felt the way to at.

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