Entertainment
Dan Walker defends sporting background as Alex Scott rumoured for his replacement on BBC’s Football Focus
Dan Walker has defended his sporting background throughout his career amid rumours that Alex Scott could be replacing him on BBC’s Football Focus.
Last week, it was announced that Dan, 44, was quitting Football Focus after presenting the programme for 12 years.
Following his departure, numerous people have speculated that pundit and former professional footballer Alex could take his place,
Although Dan’s replacement is yet to be confirmed, sports broadcaster Gary Linekar caused a bit of a stir when he prematurely congratulated Alex on Twitter, before backtracking in a follow-up tweet that said: ‘Apparently there’s nothing official yet.’
In response to a news report about Alex, 36, possibly joining Football Focus, one Twitter user wrote: ‘I like Dan Walker, but to me, he’s not a football man. I feel like you have to be somewhat passionate about the sport you are presenting, and I’m not so sure he is. Alex Scott is one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining pundits and if true fully this is fully deserved.’
Dan responded to the tweet by explaining his background in sport, writing: ‘Totally agree Kieron. I know very little about a sport I have followed for my entire life and worked on for over 20 years. Never liked going to 8 major tournaments and found all 30 major cup finals I’ve covered a complete bore fest.’
In a second tweet, the Twitter user expressed their surprise over ‘rattling Dan Walker with a tweet mainly directed at how good Alex Scott is’.
Dan replied again to emphasise that he’s ‘not rattled at all’.
‘I enjoy conversation and that’s why I didn’t quote tweet you,’ he said.
‘I’ve ignored most of the bile today. I hope, if you do qualify as a journalist, you learn that when praising one person you don’t need to insult another. I wish you all the best.’
Dan became a sports presenter during the early stages of his career in radio, eventually moving into television.
In 2010, he covered the 2010 Fifa World Cup alongside the team from BBC Sport.
Alex responded to the rumour of her becoming the host of Football Focus with a witty Schitt’s Creek gif.
Quote-tweeting Gary’s message about congratulating her before an official announcement was made, she shared a gif of Catherine O’Hara’s eccentric Moira Rose stating: ‘I’ve seen this movie before.’
Football Focus airs on Saturdays at 12pm on BBC One.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
