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      Match of the Day’s future decided as TV giants snub show ‘amid fears over viewing figures and advertising market’

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      THE BBC is set to retain the rights for Match of the Day.According to The Daily Mail, the iconic show will remain with the broadcaster for another four years from 2025.
      The BBC is set to retain the rights for Match of The DayCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker is expected to hold contract talks with the broadcasterCredit: Alamy
      The likes of Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV decided against bidding for the rights to Match of the Day as they do not find it commercially viable.
      All three broadcasters cited falling viewing figures and a difficult advertising market as their reasons for not bidding.
      ITV and Channel 4 have both strengthened their football coverage in recent years by winning the rights to England matches.
      However, neither will be able to show the Premier League in the near future.
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      ITV executives held exploratory talks with England’s top tier in recent weeks, but they concluded that taking Match of the Day on will risk disrupting their Saturday evening entertainment schedule.
      The commercial factor is also a concern as all Premier League goals are now available to view online shortly after 5:15pm each Saturday.

      Fewer matches are also set to take place on Saturdays in the next broadcast cycle from 2025 to 2029 meaning broadcasters will likely have to pay for two highlights shows – something they are reluctant to do.
      The first episode of Match of the Day was aired in 1964.
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      Gary Lineker has presented the popular Saturday night show since 1999.
      The BBC’s retention of Match of the Day will trigger new contract talks with the former England striker.
      There are no guarantees he will remain with the show after a bumpy year.
      If he were to move on, bookmakers make Jermaine Jenas the favourite to become the new host at 2/1.
      Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman are among the other top contenders should the hotseat become vacant. More

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      Alex Scott looks ‘flawless’ on Match of the Day Live as fans hail ‘power trio’ presenting Man City vs Arsenal clash

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      ALEX SCOTT proved as popular as ever as she presented Match of the Day Live.And fans hailed her as part of a “power trio” live on BBC Two.
      Alex Scott presented BBC Sport’s coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen White for the WSL clashCredit: Getty
      Scott rocked a black coat over a black turtleneck as she hosted the coverage of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester City this afternoon.
      She was joined pitchside at Meadow Park by ex-England, Chelsea and Gunners stars Fara Williams and Ellen White as the pundits.
      And that prompted a huge wave of support among delighted viewers watching the Women’s Super League action.
      One said: “How does Alex Scott always look flawless?”
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      Another wrote: “Dream Team!”
      A third added: “FARA WILLIAMS, ALEX SCOTT AND ELLEN WHITE OH DEAR GOD I LOVE BBC.”
      A fourth commented: “Alex Scott, Fara Williams, Ellen White is a great coverage trio that the BBC have got for their WSL matches.”
      And a final user commented: “The power trio of Alex Scott, Fara Williams and Ellen White is back.”
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      The trio were on hand to dissect an important victory for Jonas Eidevall’s ladies.
      Steph Catley fired the hosts in front, blasting into the top corner on 14 minutes.
      Kim Little saw her penalty saved before Chloe Kelly looked to have rescued a point for City.
      But Stina Blackstenius pounced on Khiara Keating’s howler to tap into an empty net for an 87th-minute winner.
      Popular Scott also presents the BBC’s Football Focus show on a Saturday lunchtime – despite a recent drop-off in viewing figures.
      She is one of the top sports TV stars – worth a reported £1.5million – but has made a name for herself away from football, too.
      Scott was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and recently went public over her romance with pop star Jess Glynne. More

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      Jermaine Jenas lined up for shock new role on TV after MOTDx axing – but fans of the show aren’t impressed

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      JERMAINE JENAS has emerged as a surprise candidate to host Formula E coverage in the UK – leaving fans reeling.This comes as MOTDx was axed by the BBC last week.
      Jermaine Jenas could land himself a new presenting role in motorsportCredit: Getty
      The former Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder has built a rather stacked TV portfolio since hanging up his boots in 2014.
      He’s worked as a football pundit for TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), but is now a regular guest on Match of the Day as well as being co-host of the BBC’s early-evening staple The One Show.
      Jenas fronted a spin-off version of the iconic highlights show, MOTDx, which was aimed at a younger audience but was recently cancelled by the Beeb.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Whilst we are proud of MOTDx and would like to thank everyone involved, it will no longer continue.”
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      And now it appears Jenas could be about to branch out into motorsport.
      The Race reported that whoever buys the broadcasts rights for Formula E will consider him for their lead presenter role.
      But fans of the electric car version of Formula 1 are not happy about it.
      One furious user wrote: “Jermaine Jenas? He’s not done much in the field of motorsports. He’s there for the perks and money.”
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      Another added: “No offence but if I’ve got to listen to Jermaine Jenas presenting Formula E I’m going to lose the plot.”
      A third said: “But he’s a football pundit. Does he have any technical knowledge of the sport?”
      Another fumed: Good God. How to kill the coverage.”
      Formula E is looking for a new broadcast host following the conclusion of it’s two-year deal with Channel 4.
      The main problem the sport must solve is its lack of exposure in the UK in recent years.
      Some races were shown on Channel 4’s TV platforms last season, but many were limited to live streams on the broadcaster’s YouTube channels.
      TNT Sport is in line to get the new contract, but that means fans may be alienated by the paywall. More

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      Inside love story of Bill Kenwright & Jenny Seagrove including why pair didn’t marry in 30 years

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      BILL Kenwright and Jenny Seagrove had a love story that spanned more than three decades – yet they never married. Jenny, 66, said the couple got together when they were a little older but she knew he was the love of her life.
      Jenny Seagrove and Bill Kenwright were together for three decades but never marriedCredit: Rex
      Jenny said Kenwright had been the love of her life. He tragically died last nightCredit: Reuters
      Tragically, the Everton chairman “passed away peacefully” yesterday after a long battle with illness. He was 78.
      Jenny today shared a photo of Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “I lost my darling Bill last night.”
      The couple first sparked up their relationship in 1994 – when Jenny was in her 30s, and Kenwright in his 40s.
      They’d both been married previously and he had one daughter, Lucy.
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      And while Kenwright was always dubbed a private man, Jenny would open up about their relationship – and once revealed why they never tied the knot.
      She spoke highly of her long-term partner and, in 2017, said he had the “biggest heart of anybody I’ve ever met”.
      Jenny told the Telegraph at the time: “Bill’s a force of nature, larger than life. It’s a privilege to live with him.”
      The actress, who played Jo Mills in BBC’s series Judge John Deed, said the pair always made a good team.
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      And while they had put the years in, and saw themselves together for the rest of their lives, Jenny said they never wanted to wed.
      She said their past marriages had played a part in that.
      Jenny said: “We’d both been married, neither of them particularly happy.
      “If we ever did, the fear is we’d feel differently but in a bad way. Would I suddenly feel trapped?
      “And yet, it’s been almost a quarter of a century and I’m with the man I love, someone who’s my best friend. Illogical, isn’t it?”
      The pair had once appeared together as contestants on a charity edition of ITV1’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, winning £1,000.
      They also appeared together on a celebrity edition of the BBC’s Pointless in 2014.
      Jenny, Kenwright’s daughter, and other loved ones today shared the devastating news of his death.
      In a joint statement they wrote: “Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.
      “He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
      “In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
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      “During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
      “We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.”
      Jenny said the pair never wed because they’d both been married beforeCredit: Dwayne Senior – The Sunday Times   More

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      Garth Crooks’ team of the week has fans in hysterics as BBC pundit picks two Liverpool stars… but clearly holds grudge

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      FANS are convinced that Garth Crooks has a grudge against two clubs after reading his team of the week column. The pundit wrote his weekly story for the BBC as he reflected on the weekend’s Premier League action.
      Garth Crooks ranted about officials rather than going in-depth on his praise of Liverpool playersCredit: BBC
      Mohamed Salah seemed to reluctantly make his team of the weekCredit: Reuters
      Both derby matches were marred by refereeing controversy as Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 and Chelsea were held 2-2 by Arsenal.
      The Merseyside encounter saw Craig Pawson send off Ashley Young for two bookable offences while Ibrahima Konate escaped a second yellow after a similar foul.
      And some believe the Blues got a fortunate penalty when William Saliba was judged to have handled the ball in the area.
      Crooks went through his team of the week, focusing on praising most of the players such as, Kieran Trippier, James Maddison, Douglas Luiz and Bryan Mbeumo.
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      But when the former Tottenham striker included Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, his approval was short as he instead took the chance to hit out at officials.
      Crooks’ paragraph on the Dutch defender read: “Was Everton’s Ashley Young’s sending off for a second bookable offence really necessary?
      “If it was, then Konate had to go. Young’s tackle was a genuine one to try and win the ball. Konate’s challenge on Beto was cynical and crude and what the yellow card was designed for.
      “Fortunately for Liverpool they have Van Dijk in defence who is slowly coming back to some kind of form.”
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      Garth Crooks TOTW via the BBC
      He continued to fume when discussing Salah, saying: “Referee Pawson’s inability to show some discretion in the Merseyside derby exposed him once he failed to exercise any consistency.
      “Neither was it helped by Luiz Diaz who rolled over at least five times for dramatic effect after Young had fouled him.
      “Meanwhile, Salah is back to his brilliant, unselfish and supportive best and has erased the sort of antics now effecting Diaz. It’s time Salah had a word with Diaz.”
      And with Rice, Crooks initially said: “What exactly the referee expected the defender to do with his arms in that situation I can’t begin to imagine.”
      Before adding: “Fortunately for Arsenal, Rice was on hand to score what was a brilliantly taken goal and provide the inspiration the Gunners needed to bounce back.”
      Fans are convinced that Crooks has a grudge over Liverpool and Arsenal.
      One said: “Big fan of Garth Crooks selecting Liverpool players in his team of the week through gritted teeth, and using it as an opportunity moan about someone else.”
      Another added: “You can really tell when he hates the club.”
      A third reacted: “Garth Crooks’ moan of the week.”
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      More commented: “Of course 90 per cent of Garth Crooks’ entry for Declan Rice in his team of the week is him ranting about the officials – what a guy.”
      Crooks has already caused controversy this season after his comments about Luton were labelled “disrespectful” by their manager Rob Edwards. More

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      Alex Scott stuns in fitted top and leather skirt on BBC’s Football Focus as fans hail ‘favourite part of Saturday’

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      ALEX SCOTT has stunned her fans in a fitted top and leather skirt on Football Focus.The former England star wowed as she presented the BBC show on Saturday.
      Alex Scott stunned fans as she presented Football FocusCredit: BBC Sport
      Scott wowed in a fitted top and leather skirtCredit: BBC Sport
      Her fans were left in awe of Scott’s outfit choice as they swooned over her bold look.
      She was joined by Martin Keown and Martin Brown for Saturday’s show but it was Scott who caught the attention of viewers.
      The ex-Arsenal defender wore a tight brown top and a flared leather skirt for the show.
      Reacting to her outfit, fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to swoon over Scott.
      READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTT
      One fan commented: “My fav part of Saturday,” alongside a snap of Scott on the show.
      Another tagged Scott and wrote: “I watch Football Focus every week and you are my favourite TV presenter.”
      Meanwhile, a third fan dubbed her the “Queen of Football Focus”.
      Scott returned to presenting duties after she first acknowleged her romance with singer Jess Glynne this week with a sweet birthday message.
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      The Sun exclusively revealed the pair are dating earlier this month .
      The pair made their first public appearance together at the Attitude magazine awards.
      Scott returned to presenting duties on SaturdayCredit: BBC Sport
      Fans hailed Scott as their ‘favourite part of Saturday’Credit: BBC Sport
      Scott was joined by Martin Keown and Michael Brown
      One fan dubbed her the ‘Queen of Football Focus’ More

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      BBC quietly axe iconic football show less than a month after Alex Scott and Dan Walker’s blazing Football Focus row

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      THE BBC have quietly axed MOTDx.This comes less than a month after Football Focus hosts Alex Scott and Dan Walker were involved in a public spat amid reports of a drop in viewing figures.
      Jermaine Jenas hosted MOTDxCredit: PA
      MOTDx was hosted by Jermaine Jenas and has been on screens since 2019.
      It took a relaxed look at football and targeted younger audiences.
      The Match of the Day spin-off was packed with exclusive interviews and it also delved into music, fashion and culture.
      It aired on BBC Three and BBC Two.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “We have made some changes to our football output this season which means we will be producing even more digital content for audiences across BBC Sport platforms.
      “Whilst we are proud of MOTDx and would like to thank everyone involved, it will no longer continue.”
      The changes mentioned come after Scott and Walker were involved in a public debate over fellow BBC footie show Football Focus.
      Walker, who now works for Channel 5, claimed the programme was “struggling”.
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      And last year Beeb chief Tim Davie admitted that the channel’s plan to “lurch to youth” would be abandoned.
      Walker stated on Twitter: “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 every week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”
      Scott replied “interesting” in what some thought was a dig at her predecessor.
      Walker hit back, adding: “I’m not saying you haven’t [worked hard] Alex. It’s a saturated market and it’s hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today.”
      MOTDx is not the only iconic show to lose it’s slot this season with Soccer AM axed by Sky Sports after 20 years. More

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      England icon Jill Scott gets X-rated tattoo to immortalise moment BBC were forced to apologise for her on live TV

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      ENGLAND legend Jill Scott has immortalised her iconic Euro 2022 final x-rated outburst by getting a tattoo.The former midfielder left fans in stitches after giving Germany defender Syndey Lohmann a piece of her mind.
      Jill Scott left fans in stitches after clashing with Sydney Lohmann during the Euro 2022 finalCredit: Reuters
      Scott could be seen saying: ‘F*** off you f***ing p****’Credit: Getty
      After being fouled by Lohmann, Scott could be seen saying: “F*** off you f***ing p****.”
      BBC commentator Robyn Cowen was forced to apologise as a result, saying: “Apologies to any lip readers.
      “Not sure you need to be one to figure out what Jill Scott thought of that.”
      Earlier this year, Scott vowed to get her iconic outburst as a tattoo if England won the Women’s World Cup.
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      Speaking on her BBC podcast, she said: “I’m going to make a pact now live on the podcast, OK? I don’t know if I should be doing this, I’ve had a few coffees today.
      “But when England win the World Cup, I will get FOYFP tattooed on me.”
      England just fell short of the Women’s World Cup title this summer, losing 1-0 to Spain in the final.
      But Scott decided to get the tattoo done anyway.
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      The former midfielder has since immortalised her outburst with a tattooCredit: https://www.tiktok.com/@jillscottjs8
      The ex-Manchester City star unveiled the ink on TikTok earlier this week.
      She got the letters FOYFP tattooed in reference to her expletive-filled outburst from last summer’s Euro 2022 final.
      Fans took to social media to react, with one person commenting: “JILL AHAHAHA I LOVE THIS. ABSOLUTELY ICOINC.”
      Another added: “Iconic! Never ever regret this or the moment!”
      While a third wrote: “This was my favourite England moment ever 😂.” More