Gary Lineker Joins Mary Berry, Daughter Annabel, Ben Fogle, Wife, and Popular Anthony Joshua at Wimbledon Day Five After Reigniting BBC Feud

Gary Lineker Sparks Attention at Wimbledon Amid BBC Controversy
[Image: Gary Lineker at Wimbledon in a navy suit and sunglasses, smiling.]

Gary Lineker, 64, appeared in high spirits at Wimbledon’s fifth day, donning a sharp navy suit and sunglasses as he mingled at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. His outing followed a fiery appearance at Glastonbury, where he criticized the BBC’s leadership, claiming they’d “lost their way” and hinted at an “agenda” among top executives. The former Match of the Day host, who recently left the BBC after a controversial pro-Palestine social media post, seemed unfazed, chatting with fans and celebrities alike.

Star-Studded Crowd
The event drew a glamorous crowd, including Dame Mary Berry, 90, and her daughter Annabel, 55, who twinned in elegant blue floral dresses. TV presenter Ben Fogle, 51, and wife Marina, 47, opted for crisp tennis whites, while boxing star Anthony Joshua caused a stir in a cream suit, mobbed by admirers. [Image: Mary Berry and Annabel in coordinating blue dresses.] [Image: Ben Fogle and Marina in tennis attire.] [Image: Anthony Joshua surrounded by fans.]

On-Court Action
British hopes rested on Emma Raducanu, set to face Aryna Sabalenka, and Cameron Norrie, who battled Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. Sonay Kartal also represented the UK in the women’s singles. Meanwhile, celebrities like Sir Cliff Richard and Succession’s Brian Cox enjoyed matches from the Royal Box. [Image: Sir Cliff Richard in a striped shirt and black suit.]

Glastonbury Remarks Stir Backlash
Days earlier, Lineker used his Glastonbury platform to double down on his BBC critique, stating, “I feel for Tim Davie [BBC Director-General]—there are people above him with an agenda.” He concluded his talk with a “Free Palestine” statement, echoing his earlier controversy involving a since-deleted Instagram post featuring a rat emoji—a symbol linked to antisemitic tropes. Lineker apologized, calling the post a “mistake” and reaffirming his stance against antisemitism. [Image: Lineker speaking onstage at Glastonbury.]

Balancing Act
Despite the backlash, Lineker defended using his platform for humanitarian causes, though he admitted social media has become a “hateful place.” His Wimbledon appearance underscored his ability to remain in the spotlight, blending sports commentary with activism. As the tournament continued, stars like Nicola Adams and YouTube’s Elz the Witch added to the event’s chic atmosphere, proving Wimbledon remains a magnet for A-list glamour and drama.

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