‘Cook? I’d rather take a penalty!’

GARY LINEKER says getting out of his comfort zone to take on the challenge of Sport Relief can be a scary old affair.

The Match Of The Day presenter is one of the famous faces involved in the marathon event taking over BBC1 for much of Friday night.

He has hosted it since 2002 and a couple of highlights stick out in particular.

“I’ve always enjoyed taking part in the A Question Of Sport specials for Sport Relief,” says Gary.

“I’m quite competitive and obviously like to think I know a bit about sport – it might look like fun but we all really want to win.

“Another memory is taking part in Masterchef for Sport Relief in 2010.

“I cooked up good, old steak and chips but I would honestly rather take a penalty shootout over that any day. It was so nerve-racking.”

For the first time this year the show will come live from the BBC’S base in Salford.

Gary is joined by Davina Mccall and Ore Oduba to kick things off. Throughout the evening, Paddy Mcguinness, Claudia Winkleman and Freddie Flintoff will also take on presenting duties.

Celebrity Boxing, a Clash of the Channels Boat Race and three former footie stars taking to the Strictly dance floor are just a few of the things to look out for.

“I know Salford really well as I’m here every Saturday for Match Of The Day, but something that’s the scale of Sport Relief with the live studio audience is totally different,” adds Gary. “There’s always someone who surprises you, who is secretly a serious athlete with a real competitive edge.

“So I’m looking forward to seeing who the dark horse in the great challenges we have going on will be this year.”

■ Sport Relief 2018, BBC1, Friday, 7pm.