Dan Walker has fronted BBC Football Focus for the past 12 years, but now he is lined to pass the torch to another acclaimed presenter.
Alex Scott has been confirmed as the 44-year-old’s replacement on the Saturday afternoon series, which details the latest in footie news.
Dan showed his support for Alex on Twitter, admitting his departure from the role had left him feeling a little “emotional”.
Sharing a clip from the show, Dan could be seen congratulating Alex on her new role, wishing her luck with the next season.
Former England international and ex-Arsenal star Alex, 36, then launched into a sincere tribute, thanking Dan for his guidance and support.
She said: “I do want to say a massive thank you to you. Because you knew from five years ago the position that I wanted to be in, and you helped push me out of my comfort zone, hone my skills, and you’re always there for support for me and Dion [Dublin] too.
Alex finished by praising “the person you [Dan] are as a human being,” leaving Dan lost for words.
Dan was clearly moved by her speech, as he took to Twitter to say: “I wasn’t feeling emotional at all until @AlexScott & @DionDublinsDube started talking. It’s been a pleasure working with the pair of them.”
Alex later shared her own statement on social media, reflecting on the career move and thanking the BBC for letting her be her “authentic self” on air.
She said: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
“For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
“From day one, Dan Walker has guided me – and crucially he let me ask questions,” the broadcaster went on.
She added: “Dan knew I wanted to be a presenter so he helped hone my skills and allowed me to step out of my ‘pundit’ comfort zone on the show.”
Born in London, Alex’s football career started in childhood, signing to Arsenal at the age of eight, and eventually converting to full-back.
(Image: Getty Images)
She went on to represent Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame two years ago.
Alex launched her presenting career with appearances on Soccer AM, before turning her focus entirely to broadcasting upon her retirement in 2017.
Since then, she has co-presented on Match of the Day Kickabout, covered the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and made it to week 11 on Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC Football Focus is the next step in her glittering TV career, taking over from BBC Breakfast star Dan for the seasons to come.
Wrapping up her statement, she added: “In fact, everyone around me – from Gabby Logan to Mark Chapman – and so many people behind the scenes have helped me to get to this point.
“It will never be lost on me that these kind, amazing people within the industry have supported and encouraged me to be the best I can be.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
