The BBC's iconic football magazine show, Football Focus, will broadcast its final episode this weekend, bringing a 52-year run to a close. The programme, which has been the longest-running football magazine show in the world, will air on Sunday instead of its traditional Saturday slot as the Premier League season concludes.
End of an Era
The decision to axe the historic show was announced last month, prompting reactions from current host Alex Scott and former presenter Dan Walker, who both expressed their disappointment on social media. Walker, who presented the show from 2009 to 2021, shared his memories of watching Football Focus as a child before later becoming its host. He wrote on X: "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."
Walker 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."
Final Episode Details
The final edition, airing at 12pm, will preview the last day of the 2025/26 season and reflect on the show's illustrious history. Alex Scott, the Arsenal and England legend, will host the programme as its final presenter. Scott admitted after the announcement that she knew this season would be her last on Football Focus. In a lengthy Instagram post, she described her five-year stint as presenter as "incredibly special" and paid tribute to her colleagues and fans.
Scott wrote: "I always knew this would be my last season on the show, which the BBC were aware of too. My intention was to move quietly into the next chapter, but sometimes things change. When this show began all those years ago, social media wasn't a driving force, podcasts didn't exist, and there was no instant access to information in the way there is today. Now by the time we go on air the reality is you've already seen it, debated it and lived it across so many platforms. That shift has changed the whole industry. TV audiences have been declining for years, while digital and on-demand viewing continues to grow."
She continued: "To have been part of it has been incredibly special, and I'm so grateful and proud of the eight years I've been involved, including the five years I've had the honour of presenting it. It has been such an important part of my life, working with some of the very best people in the business, both on screen and behind the scenes. I've loved so much of it, the conversations, the laughter, and sharing so many big moments with you, the audience. Thank you for being part of it."
What Replaces Football Focus?
Football Focus's Saturday 12:45pm slot will be replaced next season by The Football Interview, hosted by Kelly Somers. The programme has previously featured interviews with Bukayo Saka, Bernardo Silva, Emma Hayes, Hugo Ekitike, and Michael Carrick.
Alex Scott's Future at BBC
Despite the show's cancellation, Scott remains a key figure in the BBC's sports coverage. The corporation confirmed her involvement in upcoming projects, including the FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and ongoing coverage of the Women's Super League. She will also host the BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards, with more projects to be announced.
