09 March 2024 , 11:30
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Alex Scott and Dan Walker had a very public falling out over the show they've both presented, Football Focus.
Dan, 46, hosted the Saturday staple for 12 years before being replaced in 2021 by the Lioness star, 39, who made 140 appearances for the England national team. However, Alex, who is dating singer Jess Glynne, got tongues wagging when she left a cryptic comment on Dan's post, which said the BBC show was "struggling".
There were reports Football Focus could be canned after a dramatic drop in viewing figures, but the BBC denied the show was at risk of coming to an end. Taking to Instagram, Dan seemingly responded to reports by saying: "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."
Dan Walker presented Football Focus for 12 years (Getty Images)
Alex Scott took has a carved out an enviable career as a TV presenter (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima)Alex, who also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics, replied with a GIF from kids TV show Drake & Josh, showing a character sipping her drink, musing: "Interesting." However, Dan shot back, saying his comment wasn't aimed at the presenter, replying: "I’m not saying you haven’t Alex. It’s a saturated market and it’s hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today."
The iconic programme has been on air since 1974 and boasts a legion of loyal fans all tuning in for a preview of the weekend's football. However, the Daily Mail claimed last year the future of the programme was under threat after viewing figures fell from 2019 to 2023.
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In response to the claims, a spokesperson for the BBC said: "Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend packed full of sporting coverage for fans across BBC Sport, including radio, our website and Player. 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, wherever they choose to watch."
Dan left the BBC for good in 2023 in a switch to Channel 5, but said he has no regrets about ditching his former employer. Alex, meanwhile, is a jewel in the Beeb's crown, with a number of shows under her belt.
The presenter is also enjoying her relationship with Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself star Jess, who recently spoke out about how happy she was with Alex.
After snaps of the couple were published canoodling at the BRITS, Jess says she had to work hard on herself before finding someone like the former Lioness. Talking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, she said: "The work that I’ve done on myself has actually settled me inside and it’s allowed me to enter a relationship where I feel very comfortable and I’m just me. I’m unapologetically me. It has allowed me to be really happy in a new relationship. It’s a nice thing to be able to embrace someone and a relationship that feels really genuinely good."