Ian Wright’s new VERY different TV role with Netflix is revealed after he went public on quitting BBC’s Match of the Day after 27 years on the show

• Ian Wright has been a regular on Match of the Day since his first show in 1997
• He revealed on Sunday that he would be quitting at the end of the season
• West Ham can WIN the League Cup… don’t get hung up on rotation. Sod it! Go all out at Anfield – It’s All Kicking Off 

Ian Wright is set to feature in a new Netflix film, just days after he announced he would be stepping back from Match of the Day at the end of the season.

The legendary presenter, who turned 60 last month, revealed the news on Sunday morning, as he insisted he wanted ‘to do a few more different things with my Saturdays’.

And, taking to social media on Monday, Wright hinted that one of these ‘different things’ could be acting, with the former Arsenal and England striker part of the upcoming Netflix film, The Kitchen, which will be released on January 19.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Wright said: ‘The Kitchen | 19 Jan | @netflix. Directed by: Daniel Kaluuya & Kibwe Tavares,’ before sharing a video of the two-minute trailer.

During the teaser, Wright appeared twice, although no details of his role have been released. 

Ian Wright will appear in the new Netflix film, ‘The Kitchen’, which will be released next year

Wright shared news of his impending acting gig on social media by posting the film’s trailer

It came just a few days after Wright (right) revealed he would be quitting Match of the Day 

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The film – which also stars the likes of Top Boy’s Kane Robinson – is a science fiction drama set in a dystopian future in London.

It sets the underclass of London against a brutal ruling class in a city where social housing has been removed.

Although Wright has never been involved in a film, he has featured in several advertising campaigns over the years.

This includes for the likes of M&S, Nike, Ladbrokes and Nescafe among others. 

In a report in The Sun in relation to Wright’s role in The Kitchen, a source reportedly said: ‘Daniel [Kaluuya] is a massive Gooner, and a huge Ian Wright fan. He’s written this incredible thriller, and wanted Ian to appear.

‘So he got in touch, and Ian was delighted — and leapt at the chance.

‘He hasn’t had any acting lessons but after years appearing on Match of the Day — and having recently shot an M&S gig — he’s actually a natural in front of the camera. He has about four scenes.’

In regards to his exit from Match of the Day, Wright made his debut when he was still a player in 1997, and became a regular pundit five years later, after his retirement from football in 2000. 

Wright consistently appeared between 2002 and 2008, before leaving the show – only to return to the studio on a regular basis in 2015.

In May, he became one half of the first father-and-son punditry team in Match of the Day’s illustrious history, when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips. 

The Kitchen – which also stars the likes of Top Boy’s Kane Robinson – is a science fiction drama set in a dystopian future in London and will be released on January 19

Wright made his first appearance on Match of the Day in 1997 and is a hugely popular pundit

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Explaining his decision to move on, Wright had posted on social media: ‘After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season. I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.

‘Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.’ 

He continued: ‘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.

‘I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.’

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