Dan Walker and Alex Scott's spat over Football Focus struggles as BBC finally axes show

More than 50 years after it was first aired on the BBC , Football Focus is set to disappear from our screens. The flagship show is coming to an end, with the broadcaster citing "changing audience behaviours" as a factor in a statement announcing the decision . The show has had a number of hosts during its run, with Dan Walker and Alex Scott the most recent regular presenters. However, the pair had a run-in back in 2023 regarding the future of the programme after reports of declining viewing figures. "It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling," said Walker, who sat in the hosting chair for more than a decade before leaving in 2021. "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," he added. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page Scott responded with a gif, prompting Walker to clarify his comments and wish his fellow broadcaster a good show. Not done there, the former England women's international offered a reminder of what was to come. "We have big interviews with Ange Postecoglou and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard coming up on the ‘Award’ winning Football Focus tomorrow. Make that a headline," she added. When announcing the end of Football Focus, the BBC confirmed it wouldn't be the end of Scott as part of their broadcasting team. "Football Focus is currently fronted by the brilliant Alex Scott, who will remain at the heart of BBC Sport’s football coverage and biggest sporting moments," part of their statement read. "Alex will play a key role across this year's FIFA World Cup , the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and BBC Sport’s ongoing coverage of the Women’s Super League. She will also once again serve as one of this year’s hosts of the BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards, with more new and exciting projects with Alex due to be announced in the coming months." Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski teased a "very exciting" project with Scott, who he called "one of our finest presenters", after also outlining the background to the decision to end Football Focus. "Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers," Kay-Jelski said in a statement. "This decision was made before last week’s wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.