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    Alex Scott stuns in bold red jacket for WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man Utd on BBC with fans ‘loving’ it

    ALEX SCOTT sent fans into meltdown as the new Women’s Super League season got underway. Aston Villa kicked-off the new campaign as they welcomed Manchester United to Villa Park.
    Alex Scott stunned in a bold jacketCredit: Reuters
    Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen WhiteCredit: bbc
    The presenter hosted coverage of the WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man UtdCredit: BBC
    Scott recently wowed at the NTAsCredit: Getty
    The game was live on the BBC and fans were in for a treat with Scott hosting.
    She caught the eye in a bold red jacket with a smart black top underneath.
    Fans loved it with one tagging the former Arsenal and England full-back and simply putting four love heart emojis.
    Scott is no stranger to wowing while presenting football, stunning in a black dress while taking viewers through the Europa League draw.
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    She also put on an incredible display at the PFA Awards.
    And away from football, Scott dazzled in a white outfit at the NTAs.
    The 38-year-old had a busy summer hosting the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
    But the beauty still found time to unwind as she stripped down to a bikini while on holiday.
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    And she wore a daring bodysuit at a recent Kylie Minogue concert.
    Alex Scott is no stranger to wowing fansCredit: instagram @alexscott2
    She has 1.8m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alexscott2 More

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    Alex Scott stuns in blue dress after public spat with BBC rival Dan Walker as fans praise ‘Queen of Football Focus’

    ALEX SCOTT stunned in a blue dress on the latest episode of Football Focus.The former Arsenal and England defender has been presenting the BBC show for over two years, giving fans unique professional insights and interviewing some big-name players
    Alex Scott stunned in a wowed in a blue dress as she chatted with Michael Brown and Rachel Brown-Finnis on Football Focus
    Former Arsenal and England ace Scott has presented the show for over two yearsCredit: BBC
    Scott has showcased an array of stunning outfits during her tenure as host and did so once again on Saturday.
    The 38-year-old donned a full-length dark blue dress which left some viewers swooning over her.
    One watcher of the show tweeted: “Alex Scott my beloved.”
    Another said: “Absolutely love the queen of football Alex Scott on Football Focus.
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    “Such a breadth of knowledge of the game.”
    Scott took the Football Focus reigns from former long-time host Dan Walker, who presented it for 12 years.
    And after reports last week claimed the Beeb were looking to axe the show, Walker tweeted: “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.
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    “We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”
    Scott responded to the tweet and the rumours – which the BBC denied – with a meme from kids TV Drake and Josh showing the character Megan sipping a drink.
    Her accompanying caption read: “Interesting.”
    Walker responded to the tweet by saying: “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.”
    Scott then took to Twitter (formerly Twitter) last Sunday to say: “Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus your support for such an iconic show means so much to everyone who works across it.
    “Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday.
    “Have a bless Sunday and See you at the Emirates you Gunners.”
    Alex Scott was recently embroiled in a spat with former Football Focus host Dan WalkerCredit: BBC More

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    Alex Scott issues statement on Football Focus after public spat with Dan Walker over ‘struggling’ BBC show

    ALEX SCOTT tweeted a cheeky dig after her public spat with Dan Walker about Football Focus. Scott replaced Walker on the BBC show but the former presenter claimed it was “struggling” with viewership.
    Alex Scott released an update on Football Focus after her public spat with Dan WalkerCredit: BBC
    But ex-Arsenal star Scott – who hit back at Walker with an ‘interesting’ meme – boasted about the show’s viewing figures.
    She posted on X: “Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus your support for such an iconic show means so much to everyone who works across it.
    “Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday.
    “Have a bless Sunday and See you at the Emirates you gunners.”
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    Walker was host of Football Focus for 12 years, but he was replaced by Scott in 2021.
    There were reports the iconic show faced the axe after a dramatic drop in viewing figures.
    But the BBC did deny that the fan favourite was at risk of coming to an end.
    Still, Walker posted online: “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.
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    “We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”
    Scott replied with a GIF from kids TV show Drake & Josh, showing Miranda Cosgrove’s character Megan sipping a 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.”
    Dan Walker said Football Focus was ‘struggling’Credit: Getty More

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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’

    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

    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’

    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

    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

    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