24 September 2023 , 13:48
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Football Focus host Alex Scott has hailed the show's boost in viewing figures amid speculation that the BBC could axe it.
Scott took over hosting duties of the magazine show from Dan Walker back in 2021. But reports emerged last week that viewing levels had plunged in recent years, as the show heads for its 50th year of production.
It has long been a proving ground for presenters, with Walker following Gary Lineker in holding the role. Scott has been fiercely defensive of her period as host amid the speculation over the show's future.
The Arsenal women's legend has now 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.
Scott 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."
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That message follows concern from Walker over the future of the show. The presenter left to focus on his duties hosting BBC Breakfast before leaving for Channel 5 last year.
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."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should the BBC scrap Football Focus? Comment below.
Former presenter Dan Walker has questioned the future of the show (BBC/Pete Dadds)The news that Football Focus could be under threat was reported by the Daily Mail. The report claimed that urgent talks were being held by BBC executives who were considering a major rebrand ahead of its 50th anniversary.
It was added that a huge chunk of viewers have been lost since 2019, with the outgoing director of sport Barbara Slater urgently working to get it back on track. Those reports of urgent talks were denied by the BBC.
A spokesperson said: “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.”
But former Football Focus pundit Mark Lawrenson does believe the show could be in trouble. The Liverpool icon believes that the programme has had its day and has been caught up by the times.
He said: “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.”