Ian Wright pictured in surprising career move after quitting Match of the Day

19 December 2023 , 09:43

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Ian Wright pictured on surprising career move after quitting BBC Match Of The Day (Image: BBC)

Ian Wright has a brand new career following his decision to leave Match Of The Day.

The ex-Arsenal star will leave the flagship BBC show at the end of the current season after more than 20 years in order to spend more time with his family. Throughout his time on the programme, he's often given his insight and expert opinion on the sport as well as being a vocal advocate of women's football.

But now, the 60-year-old will take centre stage in a new Netflix drama, The Kitchen. The sci-fi drama focuses on a dystopian London, where social housing has been eliminated and there is a brutal class divide.

Ian Wright will star in The Kitchen (PA)

One character, Izi, played by Kane Robinson, attempts to escape the city which has been plagued by repression. Although there is no update on Ian's character in the trailer, new images show him standing in front of a microphone in what appears to be a recording booth.

Ian will appear alongside Kane, also known as 'Kano' and Jedaiah Bannerman. Although we don't know much about his character, we know he's taking on the role of Lord Kitchener.

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Speaking about his decision to leave Match Of The Day, Ian said: "I'm going to actually watch more football. I'm going to watch my granddaughter. I’m going to watch a lot more women's games. I'm going to watch a lot more Arsenal games, just to be there with fans.

Little is known about Ian's character (Netflix)

"Go with my son and his missus, be amongst it, just to celebrate when we win or when we lose. It's been a bit of a realisation that I want to give quality time to them. So that’s what I want. To watch games, and spend time with people." He went on to say: "I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world. I'm stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.

"This decision has been coming for a while. Maybe my birthday earlier this year fast-tracked it a little but, ultimately, it's time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays."

Ian became a regular on the show in 1997 while still playing professional football, before going on to become a frequent pundit in 2002 – two years after his retirement from the sport. He previously walked away from the show in 2008 before making a return in 2015. He also made history as he and his son, Shaun Wright-Phillips became the first father-son punditry duo on the sofa.

Daniel Bird