“Deeply Hurt”: Alex Scott Considers Leaving BBC Amid Football Focus Criticism
Alex Scott, former footballer and current presenter, is reportedly considering leaving the BBC as she explores new opportunities following criticism over Football Focus. Scott, who has been hosting the show since 2021, is said to be “deeply hurt” after being blamed for the program’s declining viewership, leading her to file a formal complaint last year. Reports suggest that Scott, once a star player for England, may even be contemplating a move to America, told the Mirror.
Sources claim Scott has “never been happier” as she embraces this new chapter in her life. Recently turning 40, she has stepped away from her role with Children In Need to focus on other ventures, including ambassadorships with UNICEF and Refuge. Additionally, there are rumors she might relocate to the U.S. with her girlfriend, singer Jess Glynne.
With her BBC contract up for renewal next summer, there is no guarantee that Scott will remain with the network. A source told The Sun that she is “seriously contemplating” leaving Football Focus. “Last year, she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus,” the source revealed. The insider added that Scott had raised concerns about how the viewing figures were reported, stating that the actual numbers were “super healthy.”
Despite reports that Football Focus had lost a third of its audience over the past four years, Scott defended the show’s viewership in September 2023. In a pointed message to critics, she revealed that Saturday’s edition of Football Focus had double the viewers of any other program airing at the same time. “Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus,” Scott tweeted. “Your support for such an iconic show means so much to everyone who works across it. Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday.”
Scott’s response came after former host Dan Walker expressed concern over the show’s future. Walker, who left the program to focus on hosting BBC Breakfast before moving to Channel 5, tweeted: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to present it and I still miss it. We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” Scott simply replied, “Interesting.”
She also reminded critics of the show’s success by posting about Football Focus winning the Sports Journalist Association award in 2022. Scott teased upcoming big interviews, saying, “We have big interviews with Ange Postecoglou and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard coming up on the ‘Award’ winning Football Focus tomorrow. Make that a headline.”