Alex Scott fears ‘toxic’ backlash to BBC’s move to call time on Football Focus

Alex Scott feels the time was right for Football Focus to finish but admitted she was filled with “so much anxiety and dread” over the expected “toxic” social media backlash to the BBC’s announcement.

The Saturday lunchtime program was first broadcast in 1974, but the corporation said in a press release on Thursday afternoon that “changing audience behaviours” had prompted it to act.

The Football Interview is set to move into the Saturday 12.45pm slot from next season. The BBC’s head of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, confirmed regular Football Focus presenter Scott would “remain at the heart” of the BBC’s sport output – including its coverage of next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Scott, 41, took great pride in the impact the show had on so many down the years, but understood the decision considering how people access the sport across different platforms.

“To have been part of this show has been incredibly special,” Scott said in a video post on Instagram.

“I am so grateful and proud of the eight years that I have been involved, including the five years I have had the honour of presenting it.

“It has been such an important part of my life. I have got to work with some of the very best people in the business, both on screen and behind the scenes.

“I have 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.

“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, but when this show began all those years ago, social media wasn’t a driving force, podcasts didn’t exist, and there was no instant access to information in the way there is today.

“Now, by the time that we go on air, the reality is that you have already seen it, debated it, and lived it across so many platforms. That shift has changed the whole industry.

“TV audiences have been declining for years, while digital and on demand viewing continues to grow. It is simply the right time for Football Focus to say goodbye.”

Scott remains “excited for what comes next”, but revealed the anticipation of what the reaction to the BBC’s announcement might be had “felt heavy”.

She continued: “The lead up to this announcement, not gonna (sic) 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 am often told to ignore and just carry on – but I am human, just like you.

“I would love nothing more then for this moment to be about recognising the iconic show that is closing its doors and celebrating everything it has given and nothing else.

“We have still got a few Saturdays left together, so let’s make sure that this show leaves our screens in the best way possible, reflecting the impact it has had on so many people.

“Shows come and go, but what Football Focus has meant to people, that will stay forever.”