The BBC has confirmed changes to two of its sports programmes following the decision to axe Football Focus. Final Score and The Football Interview will move to new broadcasting slots as part of a restructured weekend schedule.
Final Score and The Football Interview Get New Slots
Final Score, a beloved fixture for generations of football fans, will now start earlier on BBC One at 15:45. Presented by Jason Mohammad, the programme delivers match updates from across the UK. Originally part of Grandstand, it became a standalone show in 2001.
The Football Interview, hosted by Kelly Somers, offers in-depth conversations with football's biggest names. This season's guests have included Bukayo Saka, Bernardo Silva, and Hugo Ekitike. From next season, it will air on Saturday at 12:45 on BBC One.
Both programmes will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Why Football Focus Was Axed
The magazine-style show first aired in 1974 as part of Grandstand and became a standalone programme in 2001. Alex Scott has presented it since 2021. The BBC cited changing audience behaviours as the reason for its cancellation.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: "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."
He added: "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."
Alex Scott's Future at BBC
Kay-Jelski confirmed that Alex Scott remains a key part of BBC Sport's output. She will continue to present the Men's World Cup this year, the Women's World Cup in 2027, the Women's Super League, and BBC Sport Personality of the Year. An exciting new project with her is also in development.
The shake-up underscores the BBC's efforts to adapt to changing viewer habits while maintaining its commitment to football coverage.
