Alex Scott 'scared to leave house' after horrifying threats

Football legend Alex Scott bravely opens up about harrowing online threats, revealing how vile trolls have escalated their attacks on her following rumours related to her television career. The former Lioness and seasoned broadcast presenter, who has shone on-screen for BBC programmes like The One Show and served as a trusted football pundit, has faced a barrage of racist abuse and chilling threats, including horrifying claims they would harm her with acid.

At 40, Scott is not only a familiar face in sports broadcasting but also known for her relationship with chart-topper Jess Glynne; the pair has reportedly been together since 2023. However, her ascent in television was marred by cruelty online, especially during speculation that she would succeed Sue Barker as the host of A Question Of Sport - claims which were doused as Paddy McGuinness eventually took the reigns.

Speaking with The Times, Alex revealed the extent of the terror she felt, confessing: "I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face." She further commented on the downside of public life, sharing: "There are negatives to fame. I've had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats."

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Alex opened up about the negative attention she's faced since hanging up her boots in 2017, revealing: "People were saying, 'She's only on TV because she's black, female and younger. She's just ticking boxes'... Luckily there are other people who keep me smiling. They'll come up to me in my local shop and say, 'Keep going,' and that's what I do."

When Paddy McGuinness took the helm of A Question of Sport, he was met with a wave of criticism from viewers questioning his lack of sporting background. This controversy seemed to take its toll on the programme's viewership, leading to a significant drop in ratings.

Ultimately, the BBC decided to cancel the iconic quiz show in 2023, ending its impressive 55-year run. The decision to end A Question of Sport came just two years after Paddy assumed hosting duties. In a landmark move for Football Focus, Alex was announced as the new host in May 2021, becoming the first woman to permanently present the show in its 46-year history.

Upon her appointment to Football Focus, an ecstatic Alex shared: "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. To say I'm the Football Focus presenter feels surreal. I've had some amazing messages and an incredible reaction on social media - I want to thank everyone for their support."