Iconic and “hugely important” BBC show axed after 52 years – host Alex Scott reacts

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The BBC is growing its football coverage on all its channels, but this means one popular show is ending. Football Focus, which has been on the air since 1974, will broadcast its last episode at the end of the current season, the BBC announced.

The show, currently presented by Alex Scott, has been cancelled because viewers are watching television differently these days. However, new content will soon be available on YouTube and other online platforms.

Alex Kay-Jelski, who heads BBC Sport, stated that Football Focus is a landmark program with a long history of sharing the stories of football with viewers across generations.

We made this decision prior to the recent BBC-wide cost-cutting measures. It shows how viewing habits for football are changing, and our dedication to finding new ways to connect with fans, no matter where or how they’re watching.

Alex Scott is a highly valued and popular presenter for us, loved by fans of both the men’s and women’s games. She’s a key part of our team now and will continue to be in the future. You’ll see her leading coverage of both the Men’s World Cup this year and the Women’s World Cup in 2027, as well as continuing to host the Women’s Super League and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

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“We are also working on a very exciting new project with her – more to come on that soon”.

Scott shared a video on Instagram reacting to the news, writing: “For 52 years, this football show has been a true icon. I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of it, and I’ll always cherish how much it helped me grow as a presenter.”

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way – it truly means the world. Now, let’s look forward to a fantastic summer of sports!

Football Focus began as a segment within the BBC One program Grandstand before becoming its own show in 2001. Over the years, several presenters have hosted the show, including Sam Leitch, Bob Wilson, Steve Rider, Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs, Manish Bhasin, and Dan Walker.

Football Focus airs on Saturdays at 12pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautiful 100-page, full-color tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-04-23 20:49