BBC cancels Match of the Day show amid row over future of Football Focus

19 October 2023 , 17:41

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Jermaine Jenas hosted MOTDx which has now been cancelled (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

BBC executives have quietly cancelled the MOTDx, a spin-off of Match of the Day aimed to target a younger audience.

The decision comes while a debate continues over the future of staple BBC show Football Focus. MOTDx, which was hosted by former England international and ex-Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, hit our screens in 2019 and the broadcaster hoped that by mixing football, music and pop culture, viewers aged 16-34 would tune in.

Now it'll no longer be airing, as a BBC spokesperson - who stressed that the decision to cancel MOTDx had been made before the start of the 2022-23 season - said: "We have made some changes to our football output this season which means we will be producing even more digital content for audiences across BBC Sport platforms. Whilst we are proud of MOTDx and would like to thank everyone involved, it will no longer continue."

The One Show host Jenas honed his craft as a presenter on MOTDx and is tipped to replace Gary Lineker when he leaves Match of the Day. But there might be no replacement for Alex Scott, who took over hosting Football Focus from Dan Walker in 2021 to become the show's first female host.

That's because viewing figures have dropped significantly, prompting a social media spat between Scott and her predecessor. Walker, who now works for Channel 4, posted: "It's hard to see Football Focus struggling.

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"I loved it growing up and it was an honour to present it and I still miss it. We poured everything into that show every week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape."

Scott responded with the word "interesting," prompting Walker to reply: "I'm not saying you haven't [worked hard] Alex. It's a saturated market and it's hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today."

Have your say! Should the BBC scrap Football Focus? Let us know in the comments section.

Alex Scott succeeded Dan Walker in hosting Football Focus (Getty Images)

Mark Lawrenson was let go by the BBC in 2022 after appearing as a pundit on Football Focus for 25 years. The Liverpool legend now says the show has served its time and suggested that the broadcaster had gone "woke" in an interview with the Times.

"In all my time at the BBC, nobody ever said you can't say this or that, but the woke thing drives me bonkers," Lawrenson admitted. "Whereas normally you would say the first thing that comes into your head, you're now thinking, 'If I say that will I get into trouble?'

"It was a bit like playing with your legs tied together. The BBC is the national broadcaster and I get that, but they are frightened to death of upsetting anybody."

Nathan Ridley