Alex Scott confirmed as new Question Of Sport host by Gary Lineker as he says she’s ‘perfect for the job’
ALEX Scott has been confirmed as the new host of A Question of Sport. The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that the sports star was lined-up to replace longtime host Sue Barker on the BBC stalwart. And now BBC host Gary Lineker confirmed the news on Twitter today as he congratulated the former Strictly star and […]
ALEX Scott has been confirmed as the new host of A Question of Sport.
The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that the sports star was lined-up to replace longtime host Sue Barker on the BBC stalwart.
And now BBC host Gary Lineker confirmed the news on Twitter today as he congratulated the former Strictly star and Arsenal defender on her new role.
He penned: “Congratulations and good luck to @AlexScott on being the new host for Question Of Sport.
“Smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role.
“Oh… and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem.”
However, a BBC spokesperson said: “This is all speculation and no conversations have been had about the future line-up.”
Yesterday, The Sun exclusively revealed that the former footballer was poised to replace Sue as the host of A Question Of Sport.
The 35-year-old had impressed BBC bosses after two previous appearances on the long-running series.
She is due to meet with execs next month before castings and contracts are signed in December, with a formal announcement in the new year – although Gary has confirmed it.
Congratulations and good luck to @AlexScott on being the new host for Question Of Sport. Smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role. Oh…and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 17, 2020
A source said: “Alex is being lined up as host, as a direct replacement for Sue.
“Like Sue, she’s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt.
“She’s a natural on camera and, crucially, lives and breathes all things sport. This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.
“While a lot can happen over the next three months, as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job.”
Bookies had made the former Arsenal defender 2/1 to land the gig, with fans online also backing Alex in the role.
She would be the fourth presenter in the 50-year history of the show, famous for its “what happened next?” round.
David Vine was first, with boxer Henry Cooper and cricketer Fred Trueman among the captains.
David Coleman followed, often joined by rugby ace Bill Beaumont and cricket legend Ian Botham. Sue took over in 1997.
Alex, who first appeared on A Question Of Sport in 2016, won 140 England caps, scoring 12 goals.
She also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics and was awarded an MBE in 2016.
News of the appointment comes after it emerged ex-tennis ace Sue, 64, was being axed after 24 years on the show along with the current team captains — ex-rugby star Matt Dawson, 47, and former cricketer Phil Tufnell, 54.
Sue has expressed her disappointment at being let go.
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She said: “I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away.
“It’s been my dream job. But I understand the BBC wants to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.”
Names in the frame to replace Matt and Phil include footie pundit Jermaine Jenas, ex-cricketer Alex Tudor, former rugby ace Jason Robinson, hockey star Sam Quek and cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.