Football Focus to Conclude After Five Decades
has announced that Football Focus, the Saturday lunchtime television programme that has been a staple for football fans since its launch in 1974, will end after 52 years on air.
Originally launched as part of the Grandstand programme, Football Focus offered fans interviews, analysis, and stories from across the football world ahead of the weekend's fixtures. However, evolving audience habits, including a significant shift towards digital platforms and on-demand content, have led to a decline in traditional linear television viewing figures since 2018.
As a result, Football Focus will continue to air until the conclusion of the current season before the programme is discontinued.
Director Comments on the Decision
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of , reflected on the programme's legacy and the reasons behind the decision:
"Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of 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."
Changes to BBC Football Programming
Starting next season, Kelly Somers' The Football Interview will be broadcast on Saturdays at 12:45 BST on BBC One. Additionally, Final Score, hosted by Jason Mohammad, will begin earlier at 15:45 BST on BBC One.
The Football Interview has featured notable football personalities this season, including Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, and Manchester United manager Michael Carrick.
plans to expand its digital football coverage across its platforms, including exclusive shows on YouTube, aiming to provide more high-quality, accessible, and engaging football content at scale.
History and Presenters of Football Focus
Football Focus originated as part of Grandstand, with Sam Leitch presenting a precursor programme called Football Preview. The show was later renamed Football Focus, with Bob Wilson becoming an iconic presenter. Wilson, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, first took on presenting duties in 1974 and remained in the role for 20 years.
Other notable presenters have included Steve Rider, Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs, Manish Bhasin, and Dan Walker, who hosted the programme for 12 years.
The final host of Football Focus will be Alex Scott, who has presented the programme for the past five years and will continue her work with the BBC.
Kay-Jelski praised Scott's contribution:
"Alex Scott is one of our finest presenters, is hugely popular across the men's and women's game and is a big part of our present and future.
She will remain at the heart of our sports output across both the men's World Cup this year and the Women's World Cup in 2027, as well as continuing her lead role on the Women's Super League and s Personality of the Year.
We are also working on a very exciting new project with her - more to come on that soon."
Alex Scott Reflects on Her Time with Football Focus
Alex Scott expressed her feelings about the programme's conclusion on Instagram:
"Being part of the programme has been incredibly special and it is an honour to have been the presenter for five years.
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."
and Additional Resources
For continued football coverage, fans can follow their clubs with , listen to the latest Football Daily podcast, and receive football news updates directly on their phones.
