Alex Scott and Dan Walker in 'heated' clash after BBC Football Focus fallout

04 October 2023 , 08:21

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Alex Scott presenting Football Focus (Image: BBC)

Alex Scott and Dan Walker allegedly became embroiled in a row when they came face-to-face at The Legends of Football dinner on Monday night.

The pair attended the event, at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, which raised money for charity Nordoff and Robbins, who provide music therapy to people of all ages living with autism, dementia and other neurological conditions. But it was once the evening formalities had ended that they reportedly continued their Twitter spat in person.

According to the , Scott approached Walker, who she succeeded as presenter of BBC show Football Focus, with the pair proceeding to have a heated exchange. However, it is claimed they embraced following the argument and parted on amicable terms.

The saga between the pair began after reports that the iconic Saturday lunchtime show had been hit by a huge decline in viewing figures, prompting bosses at the Beeb to propose urgent talks. The broadcaster denied the speculation though, and cited recent figures that showed an average of 725,900 viewers compared to 643,500 on the same weekend in 2019.

Walker, who presented the programme from 2009 through to 2021, wrote on social media last month: "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.

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Suggesting the show was on the brink of the axe, he added: "We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape."

Scott, who won 140 caps for England before moving into the media and replacing Walker as host, replied with a gif from the kids' show iCarly with the lead character saying the word 'interesting'. It left Walker on the defensive, and trying to clear the air online.

Dan Walker was replaced by Alex Scott as the main presenter in 2021 (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

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"I’m not saying you haven’t Alex," he fired back. "It’s a saturated market and it’s hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today." Scott clearly remained unimpressed though, posting a picture of the Television Show of the Year award from last year's SJAs, with the caption: "We have big interviews with Ange Postecoglou and Arsenal captain Martin Odegarard coming up on the ‘Award’ winning Football Focus tomorrow. Make that a headline."

Football Focus first aired on Grandstand in 1974, under the banner of Football Preview. Both Walker and Scott have been contacted for comment by Mirror Football.

Fraser Watson