Former Arsenal and England footballer Alex Scott is reportedly considering a move to the United States with her partner, singer Jess Glynne, following a professional setback at the BBC. The 41-year-old, who currently hosts Football Focus and will present BBC Sports Personality of the Year, was overlooked for the lead role on Match of the Day, which went to Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.
According to reports, Scott was hurt by criticism over falling ratings for Football Focus and felt unsupported by the BBC. A source told The Sun in 2024: 'Alex is now seriously contemplating moving on from the show. Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures - and felt she was thrown under a bus.' The source added that the viewing figures were not as reported and that Scott felt no one backed her up.
Scott and Glynne have been dating since 2023 and made their relationship public in October of that year. The couple are reportedly considering a fresh start in America, where Scott has previously said she enjoyed greater anonymity. In her 2022 memoir 'How (Not) To Be Strong', she wrote: 'In Boston, I didn't have to be the strong one. I could just be.'
Despite her television success, Scott has faced personal challenges, including a strained relationship with her father, which she says affected her ability to show physical affection. She recalled an early encounter with Jess: 'I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like... rigid. She was like, 'Are you not going to put your arms around me?' But I didn't know how to do that.'
Scott's move into television has been largely smooth, but the Match of the Day snub and concerns over Football Focus have prompted speculation about her next career move. Whether she and Glynne will relocate to the US remains to be seen.
