Alex Scott has broken her silence after the BBC confirmed the end of Football Focus, but her response has revealed a major twist.
The broadcaster announced that the long-running programme will be cancelled at the end of the season after 52 years on air. The decision comes amid declining viewing figures and wider changes in how audiences consume football content.
However, Scott had already made up her mind before the announcement.
Speaking in a video posted on Instagram, Alex Scott revealed that she had planned to leave the show at the end of the current season. She said:
“To have been part of this show has been incredibly special and I’m so grateful and proud of the eight years that I’ve been involved, including the five years I’ve had the honour of presenting it.
“It has been such an important part of my life. I’ve loved so much of it. The conversations, the laughter and sharing so many big moments with you, the audience, so thank you for being part of it.”
She then made the key revelation about her future. Scott added:
“I always knew that this would be my last season on the show, which the BBC were aware of also. My intention was to move quietly into the next chapter, but here we are. Sometimes things change.”
“The lead-up to this announcement, not going to lie, it has felt heavy and at times it has filled me with so much anxiety and dread because of the toxic side of social media that I’m often told to ignore and just carry on, but I’m human, just like you.”
At the same time, she acknowledged the changing landscape of football coverage. She explained:
“TV audiences have been declining for years, while digital and on-demand viewing continues to grow.
“It’s simply the right time for Football Focus to say goodbye.”
Despite the change, Alex Scott will remain part of BBC Sport’s coverage moving forward.
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