Gary Lineker has found himself front and centre of intense media coverage and popular opinion like never before as an impartiality row erupted at the BBC.
While viewers are more used to seeing ex-England footballer Lineker, 62, present Premier League highlights on Match of the Day, they got a tiny glimpse of the presenter's off-camera life thanks to news channels and newspapers covering the latest twist and turn in the row, often featuring photos or clips of Lineker leaving his London home with his adorable dog as the story rolled on.
The BBC has now apologised after an impartiality row over a tweet by Lineker ended with the presenter reinstated as the host of Match of the Day. Director-General Tim Davie said he recognised "the potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC's social media guidance" following a "difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters, and most importantly, our audiences".
