Former Football Focus presenter Dan Walker has expressed his sadness after the BBC confirmed that the long-running Saturday lunchtime show will be taken off air at the end of the current season. The programme, which has been a fixture on BBC One for more than 50 years, is being axed due to shifting audience habits and a need to cut costs.
Dan Walker's Emotional Response
Walker, who presented the show for 12 years before leaving in 2021, took to social media to share his feelings. He wrote: '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.'
He added: '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.'
BBC's Decision and Future Plans
BBC head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski confirmed that the decision was made before the recent announcement that the broadcaster needs to save £500 million over the next two years. He stated: 'Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers. This decision was made before last week's wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are.'
Kay-Jelski also confirmed that current presenter Alex Scott will 'remain at the heart' of BBC Sport's output, including coverage of next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. Scott will present the final episode of Football Focus this season.
New Show to Replace Football Focus
The BBC has announced that The Football Interview will take over the Saturday 12:45pm slot from next season. This season, the programme has featured interviews with Bukayo Saka, Emma Hayes, Bernardo Silva, Hugo Ekitike, and Michael Carrick.
A BBC statement elaborated: 'Fans are accessing discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it is right that BBC Sport adapts how it brings football coverage to the widest audiences across television, radio, online and to its extensive social platforms.'
The broadcaster plans to expand its digital output with a bold new slate of exclusive shows on YouTube, featuring fresh formats and big personalities tailored for digital audiences. Further details will be released in the coming months.
The axing of Football Focus marks the end of an era for a show that first aired in 1974 and has been a staple of Saturday lunchtimes for generations of football fans.
