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      Alex Scott and Dan Walker in public spat over Football Focus future as she responds to his claims show is ‘struggling’

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      ALEX SCOTT and Dan Walker are in a public spat after Scott left a cryptic response to Walker on his emotional post about the future of “struggling” Football Focus.Walker was host of the BBC programme for 12 years, but was replaced by Scott in 2021.
      Alex Scott replaced Dan Walker as host of Football Focus in 2021Credit: BBC
      Walker was host of the show for 12 years beforehandCredit: BBC
      There have been reports that the popular show could face the axe after a dramatic drop in viewing figures, but the BBC have denied that the fan favourite is at risk of coming to an end.
      And Walker has taken to his Instagram to send a heartfelt message about his hopes that it stays alive.
      He wrote: “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.”
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      Scott replied with a GIF from kids TV show iCarly, showing the main character sipping her drink and saying: “Interesting.”
      Walker responded: “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, but has seen it’s early-season audience tank by over a third in the last four years.
      The average weekly viewing figures for August fell from 849,000 in 2019 to 809,000 in 2020, 599,000 in 2022 and then just 564,000 last month.
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      Although Football Focus isn’t understood to be under immediate threat, the Daily Mail have said that the long-term future has been put into doubt.
      However, the BBC have denied that there is any ongoing issues and claim there is no threat to the beloved show’s future.
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      A spokesperson 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.”
      Walker’s emotional message echoes the sentiment by many football fans who have been watching Football Focus for the last 49 years.
      The journalist and presenter recently left the BBC for good in a switch to Channel 5, but has said he has no regrets about ditching his former employer.
      Walker left the BBC to join Channel 5 after his time at Football Focus came to an endCredit: Alamy More

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      Alex Scott looks amazing in low-cut top as she interviews Arsenal star Martin Odegaard for BBC’s Football Focus

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      ENGLAND legend Alex Scott revealed she will be interviewing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard on BBC’s Football Focus.Scott, 38, made the announcement after Odegaard signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners that will see him staying at the Emirates until 2028.

      Alex Scott will interview Arsenal captain Martin OdegaardCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Arsenal legend Scott and Odegaard will have an exclusive sit-down on Football FocusCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Scott is currently presenting Football Focus on BBCCredit: Getty
      The pundit, who spent 12 years across three stints with the North Londoners, will have an exclusive sit-down with the attacking midfielder on Saturday.
      Scott announced on Twitter as she posed next to the Norway international: “Catch us on Football Focus.
      “I’m with the main man. Look at that, front page news. See you then.”
      This comes after the BBC denied the future of Football Focus is in doubt after a huge drop in viewing figures.
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      The popular show, which has been on air since 1974, has lost more than a third of its early-season audience in the space of four years.
      Scott replaced Dan Walker, who had anchored the show for 12 years before leaving, in 2021 and the major change coincided with a drop in viewing figures.
      The average viewership dropped by around 18,000 when the switch was made, but the BBC have placed no blame on the former right-back.
      A spokesperson 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.
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      “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.”
      Odegaard insists signing a new deal with Arsenal was a “really easy decision” for “lots of reasons”.
      The 24-year-old added that he has learned to call the Emirates as his “home” ever since his arrival in 2021.
      Odegaard said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons.
      “Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that.
      “I’m really excited for what’s to come here. I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.” More

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      Iconic BBC football show starring fan favourites ‘set for axe after dramatic drop in viewing figures’

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      THE future of Football Focus is reportedly in doubt due to a huge drop in viewing figures.The popular BBC show , which has been on air since 1974, has lost more than a third of its early-season audience in the space of four years.
      Football Focus has seen a huge drop in viewing figuresCredit: BBC via Twitter
      Lionesses icon Alex Scott presents the showCredit: Getty
      According to The Daily Mail, the average weekly viewing figures for August fell from 849,000 in 2019 to just 564,000 last month.
      Football Focus is not thought to be under immediate threat, but the long-term future of the show has been plunged into doubt.
      The programme is set to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary next year and BBC chiefs are understood to be considering a major rebrand.
      England legend Alex Scott replaced Dan Walker, who had anchored the show for 12 years before leaving, in 2021 and the major change coincided with a drop in viewing figures.
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      The average viewership dropped by around 18,000 when the switch was made, but the BBC have placed no blame on fan favourite Scott, who has covered several major tournaments as well as the Olympics.
      Raising hopes that the show can survive, a BBC spokesman said: ‘Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend of sporting coverage across BBC Sport.
      “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.’
      Football Focus would become the second iconic sports show to be axed, following the end of Soccer AM.
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      The popular Sky Sports show was pulled off air at the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season in May.
      It was axed because of a significant drop in weekly viewers.
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      The final episode featured many references to the show’s past, shout-outs to those who worked behind the scenes and final appearances for fan favourites.
      It’s Saturday morning slot has now been taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
      The football show focuses more on the social media side of the game in the hope of appealing to younger viewers.
      Dan Walker left Football Focus in 2021Credit: PA More

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      West Ham legend fights back tears as historic football memorabilia from heyday restored – and even host wells up

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      FORMER West Ham goalkeeper Peter Grotier fought back tears at the sight of his most treasured piece of football memorabilia after it was restored on The Repair Shop. The football legend got emotional over a 50-year-old memento from his heyday during his appearance on last week’s episode of the BBC show. 
      Former West Ham goalkeeper Peter Grotier fought back tears at the sight of his most treasured piece of football memorabilia after it has been restored on The Repair ShopCredit: BBC
      Peter held onto a programme from West Ham’s 1970 match against SantosCredit: BBC
      Peter, 72, played for West Ham United from 1969 to 1974. During that time, he played in what he calls one of the greatest matches of his career. 
      In 1970, right after Brazil won the World Cup, Peter and his West Ham teammates flew out to New York for an exhibition match against Brazilian football club Santos FC and he was surrounded by football legends. 
      He played alongside his hero Sir Bobby Moore and they faced off against his other footballing hero, Pelé. 
      Peter recalled the time fondly. He revealed: “I’m 19 years of age and I’m flying out in a jumbo jet out to New York, and I’m going to play against the greatest goal-scorer that’s ever been.”
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      During the match, Peter defended the net for the entire first half and the first minute of the second half and was thrilled to get to see his hero in action. He didn’t even mind when Pelé got two goals past him. 
      The match ended with a 2-2 draw and a special meeting between Peter and his hero. And, he ended up with a special memento to remember the say – a programme from that match which Pelé had signed for him. 
      But, unfortunately, over the years, the memento had faded and become increasingly fragile and unstable so he decided to take it to The Repair Shop. 
      On the show, Peter admitted: “The reason why it got in such a bad condition was because my family, we moved around to eight different houses, so it was packed away and folded, something I should never have done.”
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      Thankfully, The Repair Shop’s paper conservator, Angelina Bakalarou, was able to restore the programme to its former glory. 
      The transformation made Peter quite emotional.
      “Oh, wow! Oh, wow!” he reacted upon seeing the restored programme.
      “Yeah, that’s unbelievable. I actually feel I can open it now without – fantastic,” he said, getting a better look at the programme. 
      After examining it closely, he said: “The signature hasn’t been damaged at all. That looks really good, really good.
      “Of all the things I’ve kept, this is the one that means the most to me,” Peter added. 
      The former footballer started to well up and fought back tears as he recalled the “good memories” that the programme evokes. 
      “Just picking that up, I could see myself standing on the touchline before we went out to play.”
      “It was a big thing in my life to play in that game and it all comes flooding back now. So, thank you very much.”
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      Angelina appeared equally emotional at Peter’s words and was touched when the former West Ham star shared his plans to leave his cherished memento to his 17-year-old grandson Joseph, who has promised to never sell it.
      Joseph has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by captaining the Essex side Wivenhoe Town FC Under-18s.
      Peter welled up at the sight of the newly restored programmeCredit: BBC
      He was thrilled that Pelé’s signature was in perfect conditionCredit: BBC More

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      Gary Lineker can’t resist cheeky sex joke to Alan Shearer on Match of the Day after awkward moment at live Wolves game

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      GARY LINEKER left Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy in stitches on Match of the Day with a cheeky sex joke. The host could not resist the quip with the show set to feature highlights of Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Wolves.
      Gary Lineker made a cheeky sex joke as he introduced Match of the DayCredit: Getty
      Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy found it hilariousCredit: BBC
      Lineker, Shearer and Murphy were previously the victims of a prank when the two sides met in January.
      Wolves were facing Liverpool in a FA Cup tie live on the BBC when sex noises began to blast around the studio.
      The trio continued broadcasting as panic, awkwardness and confusion set in as to where the sound was coming from.
      It eventually emerged prankster Jarvo69 had planted a phone to play the noises.
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      Lineker began yesterday’s show by hilariously referencing the incident, saying: “I’m joined by Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy, and I’m a bit nervous, to be honest.
      “We’ve got Liverpool and Wolves to come up a little later, and the last time you two were on with that game things got a little steamy.
      “Please tell me you’ve turned your phones off.”
      Lineker joked about the situation before in his first broadcast after it occurred, saying on Match of the Day: “Six games on the way, let’s hope we’re not rudely interrupted.
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      “Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy here. Danny, have you turned your phone off?”
      Jarvo revealed after the prank he sneaked into the studio by posing as part of the TV crew in the days leading up to the match to plant the device.
      He told SunSport: “These things are all about confidence. We got in because we made it look like we were meant to be there, so no one bats an eyelid.
      “There were about four staff working in the studio. We tried not to speak to them much, just saying ‘How are you?’
      “Our plan was to strap it under a chair or the table, but they might’ve got suspicious if we started moving stuff around.
      “So we strapped it to the top of the wall and because of the colour no one could see it.
      “We had a cheers with the beers afterwards then it was a waiting game, hoping no one had found the phone.”
      Lineker and Shearer awkwardly spoke over the loud sex noisesCredit: BBC
      A phone was planted in the studio by a pranksterCredit: @GaryLineker More

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      BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones mocks creep who sent her X-rated message in hilarious ‘DM Helpline’ clip

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES has mocked a fan who sent her a creepy X-rated message on social media.The Leeds United TV and BBC Sport star shared a witty video of herself posing to be a hotline assistant, speaking to the creep who is referred to as “Simon”.
      Emma Louise Jones brilliantly hit back at a creep onlineCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She posted a video of her mocking their gross DMsCredit: instagram
      She is known for her work presenting on BBC and for Leeds United TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma, 33, has a massive following online with over 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      She is a fan favourite for her work as a sports presenter, however she does attract some unwanted attention.
      And she regularly exposes some who send creepy X-rated messages into her DMs.
      However, now she has come up with a brilliant way of mocking them, in the hope of deterring future offenders.
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      In a video posted to her Instagram account, Emma can be seen wearing a headset to appear as though she is working in a call centre for the “DM Helpline”.
      She then speaks to “Simon” who sent her messages saying “Hey Emma, show us your t**s please” and “Keep up the good work”.
      Emma responds: “Do you think that is an appropriate conversation starter Simon?”
      After mimicking a response, she added: “I know you said please, but you did still ask a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
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      She has had to deal with creeps on more than one occasionCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma receives a lot of attention on social mediaCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
      “I know you told her to keep up the good work, but you still asked a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
      “My advice to you would be to stop asking women to show you their t**s.”
      It is not the first Emma has opened “the DM Helpline”, as she did the same to “Sniffy Dave” back in May.
      And her fans loved the skit as they took to the comment section.
      She has over 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma has worked for Leeds TV and BBCCredit: Instagram @eljones90
      One fan commented: “These skits are funny but it’s a serious message.”
      A second wrote: “I really do enjoy these. I know there shouldn’t need to be a reason to post them in the first place hopefully it raises awareness.”
      A third said: “Was waiting for the next DM Helpline episode. It didn’t disappoint. Pure comedy.”
      While another added: “Comedy genius but with a serious message.” More

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      Micah Richards reveals ‘angriest I’ve ever been in my life’ after manager decision as he’s mocked by Lineker and Shearer

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      MICAH RICHARDS left Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in stitches as he revealed why one of Manchester City’s greatest days left him “the angriest” he has ever been.The trio all enjoyed great success on the football pitch and now regularly work alongside each other on BBC.
      Micah Richards had Gary Lineker in stitches as he revealed the ‘angriest I’ve ever been in my life’Credit: BBC
      He was also mocked by Alan Shearer as he recalled his agony from 2012Credit: BBC
      They have also recently embarked on a brand new football podcast named “The Rest Is Football”.
      And it was during an episode of their latest venture that Richards was mocked by his colleagues as he recounted Man City’s iconic last-ditch Premier League title victory in 2012.
      Trailing QPR on the final day of the season 2-1 going into additional time, Edin Dzecko came off the bench to equalise.
      And then Sergio Aguero earned himself legendary status as he fired in a dramatic winner to earn Roberto Mancini’s side the title.
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      However, despite being part of that dramatic afternoon as an unused sub, former City defender Richards still counts the day as a painful one after being dropped in favour of Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.
      And the 35-year-old had his former England striking colleagues crying with laughter as he recalled the agony of not only being dropped for the Argentina ace – but then having to sit there and watch him open the scoring.
      Richards said: “We’re going to the room where he is writing the team and I’m always a second player if I’m going to get picked because when you write on the board it’s always the goalkeeper and then you start with the right-back.
      “He [Mancini] has wrote in Joe Hart and I’ve never watched someone so closely to see what letter he is going to write… If he starts on the left then it means that he is going to write ‘Z’ and go straight across.
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      “If he starts in the middle or at the end and goes down first then he is going to write an ‘R’ for Richards. And what does he do? He goes across like that… Za… Zabaleta.
      “I just thought f*** this! I didn’t do the warm-up properly. But Mancini, the thing is, he wouldn’t even make eye contact with me because he knew what he’d done.”
      As Shearer and Lineker struggled to hold back their laughter, Richards continued: “And what happens in the game? Zabaleta scored the first goal.”
      The chuckling Lineker then asks: “Did you cheer and jump up off the bench?”
      To which Richards bluntly replied: “Did I cheer? I’ve never been so angry in all my life.”
      However, despite his personal anguish, Richards said all of that washed away as he willed his team on from the dug-out during the closing stages.
      Although he still had time to get mocked one more time by Shearer and Lineker as they burst into laughter as he added: “I was in paradise. It was like everything was in slow motion. It was jubilation, it was disappointment.
      “But you know what p***es me off more than anything… ‘Oh, what was it like to play in that QPR game?’ I’ve never got over it.”
      Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring for Man City as Richards watched onCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Alex Scott wows fans as BBC football presenter joins no bra club in bold outfit on NTAs red carpet

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      ALEX SCOTT dazzled in a bold outfit at the National Television Awards.The ex-Lioness was dressed to impress on the red carpet with a cream gown and big gold-coloured ear-rings.
      Alex Scott looked elegant at the National Television AwardsCredit: PA
      The former England defender wowed on the red carpetCredit: Splash
      The pundit stunned at the O2 Arena in LondonCredit: PA
      The BBC presenter went without a bra as she posed confidently for photos on the red carpet at the O2 Arena in London.
      Comedian Joel Dommett hosted the NTAs, where Ant & Dec took the award for Best TV Presenters for the 22nd time.
      Scott herself is developing a winning tradition too – for daring dresses.
      She shone in a black dress presenting last week’s Europa League draw.
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      One fan described her as a “national treasure” for that appearance, with another adding: “Alex Scott on, TV on.”
      And days earlier the 38-year-old was also deluged with admiring comments for her outfit at the PFA Awards.
      Her leggy display was called “unreal”.
      The former Arsenal defender won 140 caps before retiring in 2018.
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      But despite her less active role behind the camera she’s kept in shape.
      And Scott is happy sharing bikini shots from her summer holiday in Ibiza with her 1.8million Instagram followers.
      Scott looks just at home on the red carpet as on the pitchCredit: Getty More