Sports star and presenter Alex Scott is reportedly prepared to walk away from the BBC after being left ‘hugely hurt’ over criticism of falling viewing figures on show Football Focus

Alex Scott could move away from the BBC as she looks for other opportunities amid Football Focus fallout.

The former footballer and presenter is said to be “deeply hurt” over the corporation’s criticism of show Football Focus. She was reportedly blamed for falling viewing figures on the programme, sparking her to make a complain last year. Alex, who previously played football for England, is even considering a move to America, according to reports.

Alex took over hosting duties of the magazine show from Dan Walker back in 2021. She is said to have “never been happier” as she “embraces a new chapter in her life”. Alex recently turned 40 and made the decision to part ways with Children In Need. She reportedly wants to focus on ambassadorships with UNICEF and Refuge as well as a potential move to America with girlfriend Jess Glynne.

It has been claimed there is “no guarantees” Alex will be with the BBC next summer as he contract is up for renewal. A source claimed Alex is “seriously contemplating” moving on from Football Focus. “Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus,” they told the Sun. “The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures.”

Alex joined Football Focus in 2021 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

She is ‘happier than ever’ and even thinking of a move to America, according to reports ( 
Image:
alexscott2/Instagram)

They added: “The viewing figures are actually super healthy, and Alex raised her concerns as she has been in this business long enough now to stand up for herself.” Last year, it was reported Football Focus had lost a third of its audience in the space of four years. In September 2023, Alex sent a pointed message to Football Focus’ critics, revealing that Saturday’s edition of the show had double the viewers of any other programme on TV at the same time.

She tweeted: “Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus 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.” Her message followed concern from former host Dan Walker over the future of the show.

The presenter left to focus on his duties hosting BBC Breakfast before leaving for Channel 5. He 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.” Alex simply responded: “Interesting.”

She had also issued a message to critics by posting the show’s Sports Journalist Association award from 2022. Alex said: “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.”