Mark Chapman reveals what fans can expect from new Match of the Day line-up next season as he prepares to replace Gary Lineker alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan

Mark Chapman reveals what fans can expect from new Match of the Day line-up next season as he prepares to replace Gary Lineker alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan



  • The group of three will replace Lineker, who will retire after 26 years in the hosting position.



  • Chapman has now provided a glimpse of what viewers can anticipate from the trio.


  • LISTEN NOW: The Action Has Begun! Can England’s Team Claim Victory at the World Cup?

Mark Chapman has shared some insights into what viewers can anticipate from the upcoming Match of the Day lineup for the next season — and it’s pretty much business as usual.

Chapman will join forces with
Gabby Logan
and
Kelly Cates
to host the
BBC
‘s premier football program starting from the beginning of the upcoming season, with
Gary Lineker
resigning from the position after serving as chairman for 26 years.

When Cates, Chapman, and Logan start their new roles following Lineker’s exit, they will divide the responsibilities of hosting Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 among themselves.

Chapman, who spoke at the
2024 Sports Journalism Awards
, has been a familiar face on the BBC for several years, often hosting the Match of the Day 2 coverage on Sundays.

He has similarly collaborated with Cates at Sky Sports, whereas Logan also brings hosting experience for the program.

Fans have gained insights into upcoming changes for next year directly from the source, as Chapman was queried about what to anticipate during the 2025-26 season.



‘There’s nothing different,’ Chapman says. I understand folks continue to say, “This will change,” or “That will shift.” However, I truly believe nothing will be altered.

‘It will still be showing all the highlights and having a bit of a chat. So, if you’re wanting a lot of change, I suppose you’re going to be a bit disappointed by it.

‘I believe we’ll simply end up discussing football, having a good time, and that’ll wrap things up.’

Logan, who was unveiled by the BBC in January, disclosed that both herself and the other hosts took significant measures to maintain confidentiality about the announcement prior to its release.

The three formed a covert WhatsApp group to talk about everything related to Match of the Day and strengthen their connection before the major revelation, going as far as deleting messages to ensure the information remained confidential among themselves.

“I didn’t share this with my mother,” Logan stated, revealing that he had only informed her husband and ex-Scotland rugby player Kenny about it.

I created a group chat named ‘The Match of the Day Three,’ and we had self-destructing messages because Chappers was quite paranoid about privacy. The only one who knew about it was Kenny!

As reported, BBC executives led by their newly appointed Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, are keen on steering the program towards a new direction through the addition of Logan, Chapman, and Cates.

Introducing a revolving group of hosts along with two women as presenters marks significant upheaval for Match of the Day, which has seen Lee Dixon in the lead role for more than 25 years.

Read more

Explore the New Jerry Garcia-Inspired Jazz Club in Chicago

Explore the New Jerry Garcia-Inspired Jazz Club in Chicago

For those expecting dancing bears, tie-dye, and Cherry Garcia ice cream at Garcia’s Jazz Club, they might end up disappointed.
The recently opened eatery, drinking spot, and musical hub in the West Loop area
does not have those characteristics typically linked to the lead singer of the Grateful Dead.

If you push it too much, it turns into something more like a routine, almost turning into mockery,” explains Jeffrey Tascarella from the food and beverage consulting firm Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality. “Our aim was to develop a spot where, if Jerry were still with us, he’d surely enjoy being here.

Tascarella’s company, along with Chef Ivy Carthen and assisted by Garcia’s daughters—Trixie and Annabelle—developed the menu for Garcia’s, which launched last week. Steering clear of typical tropes associated with themed eateries was crucial for both the culinary staff and the design team responsible for converting the previous Wishbone location into what now stands as a project led by Chicago-based architect Bob Quellos of
FC Studio
is described as a “compact city jazz spot.” Since there is a parking structure above the area, there are no pillars to hinder the view for approximately 300 guests watching the performance on stage.

Designer
Tristam Steinberg
clear visuals can strengthen the emotional bond between music enthusiasts and the band, potentially inspiring fans to stand up from their seats and groove as though they were at an open-air concert. Stepping into Garcia’s might also offer insights since part of the design concept aimed to evoke times past when visitors didn’t rely heavily on smartphones and instead danced freely throughout the venue.

I believe that if you visit any jazz club—whether in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles—you typically have an experience akin to being squished like a sardine in a tin can,” explains Steinberg. “People sit at tiny tables which aren’t very comfortable but help maximize attendance during performances. Bob created a layout that will genuinely encourage audience engagement.

Quellos, who also designed
Gaijin
, Paul Virant’s eatery in the West Loop specializing in Japanese cuisine highlights the influence
Japanese listening bars
They have featured various elements related to music venues, focusing on how these small spaces emphasize audio quality and cater to the demands of music enthusiasts. Additionally, the creators honored Garcia’s appreciation for visual arts by reaching out to individuals within the psychedelic art scene. An illustration on the rear wall, created by Violet Oliphant and Ellie Terrell, serves as an instance of this dedication.

The location is a joint effort between Garcia’s estate and Peter Shapiro’s Dayglo Presents. Shapiro, known for his work as a music promoter and proprietor of the Brooklyn Bowl franchise, played an active role throughout. To prevent overcrowding issues, he proposed reducing table sizes by roughly two inches to create more walking area, according to Quellos.

The cuisine won’t overshadow the music as the main attraction, yet these components should complement each other seamlessly. Mixologists must create beverages swiftly to cater promptly to visitors, with Quellos ensuring an area where waitstaff can navigate effortlessly. They offer various big-batch concoctions too. In general, the libations will maintain moderate alcohol content—considering the anticipated audience inspired by the Grateful Dead ethos, such potent refreshments may prove unnecessary. Instead, emphasis lies on low-alcohol-content choices and non-spirit alternatives. Additionally, there’s a nostalgic 1950s-style soda fountain ambiance due to Garcia’s fondness for milkshakes. A particular blend combines strawberry and vanilla notes—a nod to Garcia’s appreciation of both tastes—and his reputed reply when challenged to select just one: “Being a rockstar means never having to make that choice,” shares Tascarella, recounting what he said.

A different milkshake will include Yoo-Hoo, the chocolate beverage that Garcia enjoyed—Tascarella mentions that extensive forensic investigation ensured the menu aligned with Garcia’s preferences, his Spanish background, and his connection to the Bay Area. They also plan to have conservas.
Fishwife Tinned Seafood
The presentation will feature the Spanish aspect. On offer is a San Francisco-inspired hot dog enveloped in bacon and garnished with onions, peppers, and Sriracha aioli. Tascarella emphasizes that this hot dog aims to complement Chicago’s renowned sausage culture without aiming to compete directly with what might be considered the top hot dog destination globally.

A double-patty smash burger draws inspiration from one of Garcia’s preferred dishes, which was originally found at an old diner in San Francisco. Additionally, there’s a serving of fried chicken big enough for two people, along with a distinctive roast beef sandwich that brings to mind a French dip and is presented similarly.
San Francisco Dutch crunch bread
.

Quellos mentions that the audio and visual setup prioritizes those passionate about music above all else. The aim is for guests to experience feeling immersed in the performance. This implies that lighting will not be overly intense just to enable patrons to share pictures of dishes on social platforms.

If Instagram Moments were involved, this area might have ended up featuring the Grateful Dead bear or something very reminiscent of Jerry Garcia,” Quellos explains. “I don’t believe you’d achieve the same level of quality in the space ultimately.

Garcia’s Chicago
, 1001 West Washington Boulevard

Yenze Hip-Hop Culture Fest: International Edition (English)” To make it more captivating and concise while keeping the original meaning: “Yenze Hip-Hop Festival: Global Beats (International English Edition)


________________



;




The stage is ready for the Yenze Hip-Hop Culture Fest, an innovative event celebrating Uganda’s hip-hop culture.

Set for June 28, 2025, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, the event seeks to bring together different generations.



artistes


and fans.


Addressing a media briefing on Monday,


Sheraton

Geoffrey Jeff Ekongot, from Hotel, shared his enthusiasm for the event.

“Hip-hop has matured,” Ekongot stated.

It has influenced countless individuals, encompassing those of us who are part of the older generations as well as the present youth.

The festival aims at rejuvenating the essence of hip-hop, following its evolution, and imagining its next chapter.”

The festival aims to showcase all five aspects of hip-hop: rap, breaking, DJing, fashion, and graffiti. Ekongot stressed that hip-hop extends beyond mere music; “It embodies culture, identity, and a robust economic ecosystem.”


Accompanying him at the press conference were Lagum the Rapper and King Honey, who represent the fresh wave of Ugandan hip-hop talent.

Lagum the Rapper, a rising star, looked back on his path into hip-hop and the impact of Uganda.



artistes

Similar to Navio, Ruyonga, Tucker HD, and Keko.

“Hip-hop in Uganda boasts a robust sense of community. This festival isn’t solely focused on performances; it’s also aimed at uncovering and motivating fresh talent,” he stated.


The event will include freestyle competitions, fashion exhibitions, and chances for artists, DJs, and designers to network. King Honey, recognized for her daring style, invited designers to join in.

“Hip-hop encompasses style as well. It’s an opportunity for us to back one another and develop collectively,” she stated.


Ekongot also pointed out the global acknowledgment that Ugandan hip-hop has achieved.

“Artists such as Xenson Senkaaba have showcased their graffiti work in France. Ugandan breakdancers have also gained prominence on international stages. We brought hip-hop to the State House, and remarkably, we witnessed the world’s first president who rapped,” he pointed out.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Bengaluru University Declares Holiday for Mohanlal’s Blockbuster ‘L2: Empuraan’ Release

Bengaluru University Declares Holiday for Mohanlal’s Blockbuster ‘L2: Empuraan’ Release

Bengaluru
(Karnataka) [India], March 24 (ANI):
Mohanlal
starrer ‘
L2: Empuraan
It’s all set to premiere at theaters on March 27. In celebration of the film’s release,
Good Shepherd College
in
Bengaluru
have declared a break for students.

A specially curated performance will also be hosted for the college students at the YGR Signature Mall.
Bengaluru
, according to the information provided by the college administration for Karnataka.

Serving as the college’s MD, Tojo John greatly admires the seasoned actor.
Mohanlal
The college administration declared a holiday and arranged a special event for the film’s premiere day.

After the massive success of its first instalment in 2019, the Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial ‘
L2: Empuraan
One of the most eagerly awaited films of 2025 is ‘.
Mohanlal
The movie also features Tovino Thomas, Abhimanyu Singh, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and several others.

Director Prithviraj Sukumaran earlier opened up about the challenges faced during its production. The film, starring
Mohanlal
was filmed across various international settings such as Turkey, France, London, Yemen, Senegal, Iraq, and China.

Prithviraj Sukumaran disclosed that locating perfect settings for filming posed the greatest difficulty. According to the ‘Salaar’ star, it required traveling across the globe over a span of two years just to pinpoint the suitable spots for movie production.

When talking to ANI, he mentioned, “The primary obstacle was filming on actual sites across the globe. It consumed approximately two years of my time searching for suitable places worldwide to capture all the shots. This part required considerable effort.”

The director additionally addressed the difficulties involved in relocating a substantial crew across different cities and nations. He went on, saying, “Once we had identified these locations, transporting this sizable team from one place to another worldwide proved to be incredibly challenging. The logistics of shifting such a large group between urban areas both domestically and internationally were, without a doubt, our greatest hurdle.”

Prithviraj Sukumaran commended his production crew, which encompasses producer Antony Perumbavoor, line producers Suresh Balaje and George Pius, creative director Nirmal Sahadev, and associate director Vava.

“However, full credit goes to my fantastic production team, particularly my producer Antony Perumbavoor, line producers Suresh Balaje and George Pius, creative director Nirmal Sahadev, and associate director Vava. From a director’s standpoint, everything went incredibly smoothly; it felt as though the entire movie flowed seamlessly, much like finely-tuned machinery. Yet, I’m certain all these individuals were putting in round-the-clock efforts behind the scenes to make this possible,” stated Prithviraj.

Superstar
Mohanlal
highlighted the benefits of an Indian cinema production with nationwide appeal
L2: Empuraan
suggests that this boosts the film’s likelihood of success due to its wider distribution and broader audience reach.

He stated, “Prithviraj mentioned that, considering a Malayalam film, this project has an enormous budget. Additionally, we spent two years preparing for it. However, we have experience with such productions.”

He went on, “However, the likelihood of such movies being produced has increased significantly today. If one succeeds, it could be hugely successful because these days we refer to them as pan-Indian films. With choices expanding into languages like Tamil and Telugu, previously those opportunities were limited. Yet, with Empuraan, we generated substantial buzz, positioning it for major impact.”

According to the trailer, the latter half of the movie explores themes of social-political drama with
Mohanlal
The video places ‘s character at the center. Filled with intensity, it offers a cinematic spectacle characterized by high-energy visuals.
Mohanlal
exhibiting a commanding and larger-than-life screen presence as Khureshi-Ab’raam.

The movie is anticipated to provide an engrossing look at Khureshi’s history and depict a power battle inside the political organization. (ANI)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

How Robert Downey Jr. Scored the Role of Doctor Doom: An Exclusive Look

How Robert Downey Jr. Scored the Role of Doctor Doom: An Exclusive Look

Washington [US], March 24 (ANI): Performer
Robert Downey Jr
shared his surprise at seeing him stroll onto the stage costumed like that
Doctor Doom
at
San Diego Comic-Con
Last year; it came as a surprise to almost everybody, largely due to the fact that he had previously rescued the Marvel Universe as Tony Stark.

The idea of Downey portraying a villain named Victor von Doom dates back even before he was chosen for the role of Iron Man’s alter ego, according to reports from Deadline.

I recall that you had previously met with [Downey] for, something like,
Doctor Doom
“Or perhaps something from another venture,” Director Jon Favreau mentioned during a 2023 talk with Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige. “He might have shown up around [2005’s] Fantastic Four, which made everyone familiar with him,” according to the source.

In the 2005 movie, Victor Von Doom was played by Julian McMahon, whereas Downey took on the role of Stark in the 2008 release “Iron Man.” However, according to reports fromDeadline, Feige considered casting DowneyJ as Doom instead.

Downey consented, and the actor attempted to persuade his Avengers: Endgame directors to reunite the band for the forthcoming Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday projects, according to the source.

Robert attempted to persuade us to go along with his idea, but we responded with ‘no.’ We lacked a storyline and an entry point. For some time, we remained unconvinced.

Once, Steve McFeely, who is one of our key partners, mentioned he had an idea. We responded with excitement, saying, ‘There’s your tale! This narrative needs to be shared; it carries immense power.’

What is that idea? None of the directors revealed significant details until Joe stated, “All I can share regarding the film is this: We adore antagonists who believe they are protagonists in their personal narratives. This makes them multi-faceted and far more intriguing. With an actor such as Robert Downey Jr., one must craft a fully developed, complex character for viewers.” As reported by Deadline. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Conan O’Brien Accepts Mark Twain Prize Amid Political Turmoil at Kennedy Center

One evening, as several individuals cracked jokes suggesting this might be the final Mark Twain Prize event, Conan O’Brien ensured that the celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts concluded on an uplifting note.

On Sunday evening, O’Brien received the accolade for a lifelong contribution to comedy, simultaneously addressing the behind-the-scenes upheaval clouding the institution’s prospects in Washington.

O’Brien, aged 61, became the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize in mid-January. This honor came roughly three weeks prior to President Donald Trump disrupting the operations at the Kennedy Center by removing its long-standing president, Deborah Rutter, along with board chairman David Rubenstein. In an unprecedented move, Trump removed the board of trustees and appointed his own supporters, among whom he was subsequently chosen as the new chairman.

On Sunday, O’Brien particularly acknowledged Rubenstein and Rutter, which elicited sustained applause — as well as Kennedy Center staff members, whom he mentioned had expressed concerns about “what the future might hold.”

He pointed out that the story of Mark Twain’s personal journey and professional trajectory held particular significance during this point in American history.

O’Brien mentioned that Twain despised bullies. … He would take on stronger opponents rather than weaker ones, and he had great compassion for those who were vulnerable. Despite his love for America, Twain recognized that it had significant flaws.

A performer mimicking Mark Twain stepped out from the crowd. Following an exchange with O’Brien, he moved onto the stage where they shared a slow dance. Soon after, about twelve additional Twain impersonators along with former Twain Prize winner Adam Sandler came onstage and together they performed a lively version of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

The concluding musical segment brought an end to a evening where the precarious future of the Kennedy Center ran as a recurring theme throughout various homages and speeches dedicated to O’Brien.

I believe it would be absurd to ignore the elephant in the room,” comedian Nikki Glasper stated on the red carpet prior to the event. “The atmosphere is charged with this tonight. While this evening revolves around Conan, we can acknowledge that too.

After the celebrations started, Stephen Colbert quipped that the Kennedy Center revealed their newest board members: Bashar Assad, who was the former leader of Syria, and Skeletor, the made-up evil overlord.

John Mulaney joked that the whole place might as well be called “the Roy Cohn Pavilion,” referring to one of Trump’s influential figures. Meanwhile, Sarah Silverman delivered several off-color remarks about Trump that were deemed unfit for printing.

Trump, when revealing the modifications at the Kennedy Center, shared via social media that those individuals removed “do not align with our vision for a golden era in arts and culture.”

It remains to be observed how this vision will materialize, but Trump has mentioned his desire to include more Broadway productions in the plans and has suggested bestowing Kennedy Center Honor recognition upon actor Sylvester Stallone and singer-songwriter Paul Anka.

Amidst this whirlwind emerged O’Brien, known for a brand of comedy that rarely ventured into politics. His humor typically skewed towards silliness and self-mockery. However, he has occasionally addressed delicate social matters. Back in 2011, O’Brien took part in a significant moment when he presided over a same-sex wedding during his TV program, legally marrying his long-time costume designer Scott Cronick and his partner David Gorshein.

In 1993, O’Brien burst onto the scene from relative anonymity after being selected to take over hosting duties on “Late Night” following David Letterman’s departure. This appointment came even though he lacked substantial on-screen experience. Prior to this, O’Brien, who previously served as an editor at Harvard Lampoon, had worked primarily behind the scenes as a writer for both “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.” His presence on screen during his time with these shows was limited to brief appearances as an additional figure in some sketches on “SNL”.

He went on to host “Late Night” for 16 years, longer than any other host. O’Brien was later tapped to replace Jay Leno as host of “The Tonight Show,” but that experiment ended in public failure. After seven months of declining ratings, NBC executives brought Leno back for a new show that would bump “The Tonight Show” back. O’Brien refused to accept the move, leading to a public spat that ended with a multimillion-dollar payout for O’Brien and his staff to exit the network in early 2010.

O’Brien subsequently hosted another talk show on the cable network TBS, while also initiating successful podcasts and travel programs. At present, he is experiencing an impressive resurgence as a respected veteran figure in his later career phase. His travel series titled “Conan O’Brien Must Go” garnered both widespread popularity and critical praise, leading to plans for a second season. Additionally, his recent stint emceeing the Academy Awards was met with such positive feedback that organizers confirmed his return for the following year’s event.

Following Donald Trump’s control over the Kennedy Center, multiple performers such as the creators of “Hamilton” and actress/writer Issa Rae declared their withdrawal from scheduled events at the center.

Some performers chose to voice their opinions during their shows as well. Progressive comedian W. Kamau Bell tackled the controversy head-on in his act mere days following the changes. Similarly, earlier this month, cellist Erin Murphy Snedecor concluded her performance with a rendition of Woody Guthrie’s protest song “All You Fascists Bound to Lose.”

The recipients of the lifetime achievement award also encompass Letterman, Leno, alongside George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, and Dave Chappelle.

The event will be broadcast on Netflix starting from May 4.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).