GARY LINEKER - LINEKER NETS MOST-SEEN TITLE

LINEKER NETS MOST-SEEN TITLE

High TV audiences for this year's World Cup propelled former footballer Gary Lineker to the top of the most-seen TV presenter list in 2006.

The Match of the Day host fronted the BBC's coverage of the World Cup in Germany this summer, allowing him to notch up an impressive 36.5 million viewers during this year.

By contrast ITV's main World Cup presenter, Steve Rider, only managed to come in sixth in the list, compiled by media agency Media Planning Group.

As consolation ITV presenters won second and third places in the list, thanks to Chris Tarrant of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? fame and This Morning host Phillip Schofield.

Daytime TV was also represented by former BBC darling Noel Edmonds, who has shot back into the top ten through the success of cult quiz show Deal Or No Deal.

Reality TV also had its share of the top ten, with X Factor presenter Kate Thornton reaching seventh place and Big Brother counterpart Davina McCall taking the highest female place, at fourth.

Most-seen TV presenters in 2006

1 – Gary Lineker
2 – Chris Tarrant
3 – Phillip Schofield
4 – Davina McCall
5 – Noel Edmonds
6 – Steve Rider
7 – Kate Thornton
8 – Ant and Dec
9 – Tess Daly
10 – Fern Britton