The presenter filmed an appearance for Lord Alan Sugar’s Children in Need charity specials last March, but was unceremoniously axed from these.
He was one of several huge names who opted to help out by attempting to sell gingerbread biscuits for The Celebrity Apprentice.
Gary Lineker axed from Celebrity Apprentice just months after exiting Match of the Day
Discussing the launch of the show last month, Lord Sugar’s assistant Baroness Karren Brady said: “There are so many people that are coming to help us, and they’re coming because they love the show, they love the charity, and clearly they have a connection with the celebrities.
“So Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Robbie Williams.
“Piers Morgan – I don’t think we should forget that one.
“And Rylan Clark and Gary Lineker.”
However, bosses have since revealed that Gary Lineker was cut due to supposed time limitations.
Despite this, the festive specials, which air on December 29, have still managed to pull some huge names.
The specials will involve the star-studded cast travelling to Finnish Lapland to create festive treats and attempt to find buyers for their products, all in the name of Children in Need.
Lord Sugar said: “I was very impressed that they managed to call these people in, they are top names.
“The main thing is that these celebrities, and I have a lot of respect for them, are they give up three days of their busy time for this great cause, it’s the money that’s raised for Children in Need.”
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Why was Gary Lineker sacked from Match of the Day?
Gary Lineker was removed from presenting Match of the Day by BBC bosses after sharing a social media post which used the image of a rat when discussing Zionism, something that has historically been used as an antisemitic insult.
At the time, Gary Lineker said he did not see the image, and “would never consciously repost anything antisemitic”.
He added: “However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
