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Alex Scott Confirmed As The First Female Host Of Football Focus

Alex Scott Confirmed As The First Female Host Of Football Focus

"When I was a kid, I would never have watched tv and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

It has been confirmed that Alex Scott will replace Dan Walker as the new presenter of BBC Football Focus.

The former Arsenal and Birmingham City striker, who also made 140 appearances for England during a 16 year playing career, will become the first female host of the show, which broadcasts every Saturday afternoon at midday.

Scott has become a respected pundit after retiring from the game, covering a range of FA Cup and international games, including her historic appearance as the first female pundit at a World Cup for the BBC in 2018.

She has also co-presented BBC Match of the Day Kickabout and Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara.

The news comes after Dan Walker announced he was quitting Football Focus after 12 years presenting the popular programme.

In a clip on social media, the BBC Breakfast host said: "Hello, I have some news. This is going to be my last season presenting Football Focus. It's been a real pleasure and an amazing 12 years, and I can honestly say I've loved every single second of it.

"I'm really proud about the job that we've done, the changes we've made to the show, the issues we've looked at, and at a time when the football landscape immeasurably. But, having said all that, after 12 years it's time for someone else to take the reins."

He continued, saying: "I'm really going to miss the magic of the programme, the opportunities it has given me, the great friends, many friends I've made along the way. And the thousands and thousands of conversations I've had with people who thankfully love the show as much as I do.

"I won't be disappearing, I'll still be on Breakfast, and you'll see me elsewhere across BBC Sport, including the Olympics, the show on that this summer. 'I'm also really looking forward to letting you know about one or two other exciting opportunities further down the road.

"The last thing I want to say is thank you. First of all to the amazing team behind the programme who put in so much love, care and effort every single week, to get us on air. Thank you for all the comments, all the questions and for tuning in, giving us record audiences for a programme that's been on air since 1974.

"I really hope you enjoy the rest of the season and I'll see you soon."

Thoughts on Alex Scott getting the role at Football Focus? Is it the right move?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Alex Scott