Alex Scott’s BBC future ‘is thrown into doubt after she complained to bosses about being blamed for Football Focus’ low ratings – sparking fears she could relocate to the US’

Alex Scott‘s future at the BBC has reportedly been thrown into doubt, with sources claiming she’s been ‘deeply hurt’ by a ‘lack of support’ surrounding Football Focus.

The presenter, 40, is thought to have made a complaint to channel bosses last year after being ‘deeply hurt’ by the channel’s response to criticism she faced around the show’s low viewing figures. 

According to The Sun, Alex is now thought to be ‘considering other offers,’ and is even considering a move to the US with girlfriend Jess Glynne as her BBC contract is up for renewal next year.

Alex has also stepped down from her hosting gig on Children On Need, with Rochelle Humes and Vernon Kay set to front the show this year.

A source said: ‘Alex has never been happier than she is right now, she’s just turned 40 and embracing a new chapter in her life, and the decision to part ways from Children In Need – an event she is hugely proud to have been a part of – was entirely mutual.

Alex Scott ‘s future at the BBC has reportedly been thrown into doubt, with sources claiming she’s been ‘deeply hurt’ by a ‘lack of support’ surrounding Football Focus

The presenter is thought to have made a complaint to bosses last year after being ‘deeply hurt’ the channel’s response to criticism she faced around the show’s low viewing figures

‘There are no guarantees she will be with the BBC next summer – her contract is up for renewal and she is in talks for a raft of other exciting projects.

‘Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus. The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures.

‘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.’

A representative for Alex declined to comment when contacted by The Sun. MailOnline has contacted a representative for the BBC and Alex Scott for comment.

In September 2023, Alex defended Football Focus’ viewing figures and revealed that weekend’s show was ‘double anything on TV’ during the same time amid fears for the future of the production. 

The star was extremely vocal about the ongoing situation after Mail Sport revealed that the historic programme had lost more than one third of its early-season viewers in the space of four years. 

Former show host Dan Walker admitted it was ‘hard’ to see the iconic BBC show struggling amid a dramatic slump in audience figures that could see it axed.

Alex retorted with a scathing social media reply where she hit back at her predecessor with a GIF, stating: ‘Interesting’.

Alex is now thought to be ‘considering other offers,’ and is even considering a move to the US with girlfriend Jess Glynne (pictured in August) as her BBC contract is up for renewal next year

In September 2023, Alex defended Football Focus’ viewing figures amid fears for the future of the production, after Mail Sport revealed the show had lost a third of its viewers

Alex then shared an update on the show, writing on X: ‘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,’ tweeted Scott.

‘Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday [Saturday].

‘Have a bless Sunday and See you at the Emirates you gunners,’ she added.

Alex hasn’t shied away from discussions surrounding the show’s future and joked with co-host Fara Williams during the weekend production about the ongoing issue.

The duo humorously suggested that singing a song about Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard would ‘put the ratings up’.

Football Focus formed part of Grandstand for 27 years before becoming a standalone programme in 2002. 

In its 49-year history there have been seven permanent presenters, with former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson fronting the show for 20 years before being followed by Steve Rider, Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs, Manish Bhasin, Walker and Scott.

Mark Lawrenson, who appeared on the programme for 25 years before being let go last year, told Mail Sport: ‘It has served its time. It’s a football magazine show, but there are so many other options for viewers these days and so much competition. ‘It doesn’t surprise me. 

‘Football Focus is coming up to 50 years, which is an unbelievable run, although there was no competition 50 years ago.’

BBC sources insisted the decline in viewing figures mirrored those experienced by all linear channels in recent years.

A spokesperson told Mail Sport: ‘Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend of sporting coverage across BBC Sport. Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans.’

Alex is the first permanent female host of the iconic score updates programme that first aired in 1974 and presented by broadcasting legend Bob Wilson.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also enjoyed a successful stint as the face of Football Focus between 1996 and 1999.