BBC launches reality show to find new football expert

The BBC is launching a reality show which will chart the search to find a new football expert.

The winner will produce digital content for BBC Sport appearing on TV, radio, digital and social on programmes such as Football Focus, and on BBC Radio 5 Live.

BBC Creator Lab is again teaming up with TikTok, this time to discover the UK’s most exciting football creators. The social media platform will promote and discover potential contenders’ efforts, along with providing upskilling and training.

Standout candidates will then compete on the reality show which will be broadcast on the BBC in the lead up to Women’s Euro 2025, while Radio 1 will also cover the twists and turns of the competition.

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: “This is our biggest creator opportunity to date. A chance to work with the BBC’s top Sport team and appear on some of the country’s biggest football shows as well as to appear on Radio 1 and a digital series.

“We cannot wait to uncover and collaborate with the most exciting football creators in the UK.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying. This could change your life.”

Aled Haydn Jones, head of Radio 1, said: “I’m thrilled to collaborate with BBC Creator Lab and BBC Sport on this exciting project. It’s an incredible opportunity for aspiring football pundits and I can’t wait to bring our young listeners along on the journey.”

Melissa McFarlane, Tiktok’s UK head of operations, added: “Football fandom is a vast and vibrant community on TikTok, and we can’t wait to see how a new wave of creators will bring fresh perspectives to the beautiful game.”

Last year’s Creator Lab enabled 90 social and digital creators from across the UK to take part in two-day, in-person development programmes.

More details about how to apply can be found via the BBC Creator Lab, with the application window set to open soon.