BBC nightmare as Alex Scott and Dan Walker have 'lively exchange' at charity dinner as Football Focus toils
BBC show Football Focus is losing viewers but is not at risk of being scrapped
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Football Focus presenters past and present Alex Scott and Dan Walker were involved in a heated exchange on Monday night, according to reports.
It recently emerged the BBC show was losing viewers, though the corporation deny claims it could be scrapped.
Scott and Walker recently had a spat on Twitter, with the latter writing: "It's hard to see Football Focus struggling.
"I loved it growing up and it was an honour to present it and I still miss it.
— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) September 23, 2023
"We poured everything into that show every week and worked hard to keep it relevant.
"I hope it stays part of the TV landscape."
Scott, who replaced Walker on the show back in 2021, then replied with a gif while simply saying: "Interesting..."
That prompted a response from her predecessor, who said: "I'm not saying you haven't Alex.
"It's a saturated market and it's hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today."
Now, per the Daily Mail, the two presenters were involved in a blazing row at The Legends of Football dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Monday night.
Scott, it's stated, made a 'beeline' for Walker - which then led to a 'lively exchange' that lasted several minutes.
It then ended with the pair parting amicably with a hug.
However, tensions seem to be running high within the BBC with Football Focus no longer attracting the viewership of old.
August viewing figures had declined drastically from 849,000 in 2019 to 564,000 this year.
The BBC don't blame that on Scott, however, and merely think increased competition has made it harder to win the ratings war.
The day after it emerged Football Focus was toiling, Scott presented and came out fighting.
"Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus, your support for such an iconic show means so much to everyone who works across it," she said.
"Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday.
"Have a bless Sunday and see you at the Emirates you Gunners."
At the dinner in London, meanwhile, Chelsea women's boss Emma Hayes and former England striker Ian Wright were both recognised.
The pair have raised money for the charity Nordoff and Robbins, who provide music therapy to people of all ages living with autism, dementia and other neurological conditions.
A spokesperson for the BBC recently insisted Football Focus, despite spiralling viewing figures, wasn't at risk of being scrapped.
“Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend packed full of sporting coverage for fans across BBC Sport, including radio, our website and iPlayer," they said.
BBC presenters past and present Alex Scott and Dan Walker had a heated exchange at a charity bash
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"Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans, wherever they choose to watch."