Football Focus’ 52-year run as the world’s longest-running football magazine programme will come to an end this weekend. The final episode of the Saturday afternoon staple will broadcast on Sunday as the Premier League season concludes.
The axing of the BBC’s iconic football show was announced last month, with host Alex Scott and her predecessor Dan Walker both turning to social media to voice their dismay at the decision.
Walker – who presented the programme from 2009 to 2021 – quickly shared his response to the startling news, remembering his childhood experiences of watching it before securing the privilege of hosting the show himself.
View 3 ImagesDan Walker quickly shared his response to news of the cancellation (Image: BBC/Pete Dadds)
He wrote on X: “Really sad to hear about the end of Football Focus. I loved that show growing up. I used to watch it every week with my dad and I remember how proud he was when I got the job.
“It was such a privilege to sit in the chair for 12 years, work with an amazing team on and off air and form so many lasting friendships.
“Saturdays were always special. The football landscape is constantly changing and it’s disappointing that there isn’t space for a show that has meant so much to so many people for so many years.”
View 3 ImagesThe programme has been a staple in the world of sports coverage for decades(Image: BBC/Pete Dadds)
The concluding broadcast at 12pm will preview the final day of the 2025/26 season and celebrate the programme’s illustrious history, with Scott presenting the show as its last host.
The Arsenal and England icon confirmed following the announcement that she had known this season would be her final one presenting Football Focus.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Scott described her five-year stint as presenter as “incredibly special” while paying tribute to her colleagues and the loyal viewers who tuned in each Saturday.
She wrote: “I always knew this would be my last season on the show, which the BBC were aware of too.
“My intention was to move quietly into the next chapter, but sometimes things change. When this show began all those years ago, social media wasn’t a driving force, podcasts didn’t exist, and there was no instant access to information in the way there is today.”, reports the Express.
“Now by the time we go on air the reality is you’ve already seen it, debated it and lived it across so many platforms. That shift has changed the whole industry.
TV audiences have been declining for years, while digital and on-demand viewing continues to grow.
“To have been part of it has been incredibly special, and I’m so grateful and proud of the eight years I’ve been involved, including the five years I’ve had the honour of presenting it. It has been such an important part of my life, working with some of the very best people in the business, both on screen and behind the scenes.
“I’ve loved so much of it, the conversations, the laughter, and sharing so many big moments with you, the audience. Thank you for being part of it.”
The Football Interview will replace Football Focus in its Saturday 12.45pm slot next season. Presented by Kelly Somers, the programme has already showcased interviews with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Bernardo Silva, Emma Hayes, Hugo Ekitike and Michael Carrick.
Scott remains firmly at the heart of the BBC’s future broadcasting plans, with the corporation setting out her upcoming commitments in last month’s announcement.
Their statement noted: “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.”
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