**Alex Scott Apologises to BBC Viewers After Chloe Kelly’s Ad-Libbed Expletive During Lionesses’ Homecoming**
England’s jubilant Lionesses were met by a sea of supporters in central London this week as their open-top bus parade drew thousands, celebrating a triumphant Euro 2025 campaign. The atmosphere along The Mall was electrifying, yet a light-hearted on-air mishap quickly captured headlines, prompting an on-the-spot apology from BBC presenter and former England star Alex Scott.
During live BBC coverage of the festivities, Scott was engaging members of the England squad and coaching staff on stage in front of Buckingham Palace. The moment the microphone was passed to striker Chloe Kelly—already known for her match-winning contributions in the Euro 2022 final—she expressed her delight to the crowd. In her enthusiasm, Kelly declared, “Pressure, what pressure? Thank you to everyone who came out to support us, whether in Switzerland or here today. It’s so f****** special.”
The explicit language, which inadvertently slipped through to the live broadcast, prompted a swift response from Scott. Without missing a beat, she addressed the situation, telling viewers, “We are live so I will apologise for that language right there.” Her professionalism ensured that the moment was quickly diffused, but the slip became a point of discussion on social media and in the wider press.
Kelly, who played a pivotal role for England both in the 2022 and 2025 finals, once again proved her capacity for high-pressure moments. Coming off the bench to score in a tense penalty shootout, Kelly has now established herself as a player who shines brightest on the biggest stages. Team-mate Esme Morgan observed, “She seems to thrive on those moments when the team needs her to pull a performance out of the bag.”
The striker’s exuberant personality was also on display during the medal ceremony. She was seen sharing a heartfelt moment with the match mascot, chatting and giving the youngster a warm embrace, much to the delight of fans watching at home. Such gestures have contributed to widespread praise for Kelly and her Lioness team-mates, who continue to inspire and empower a new generation of young female footballers across the country.
However, not all international observers were entirely approving of Kelly’s on-pitch celebrations. Spanish sporting outlet AS took issue with what they deemed her “cocky” gesture following her decisive penalty against Spain, suggesting it was directed at Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll. Controversy over gestures and words during celebrations is not uncommon in the high-stakes world of international football, with emotions invariably running high, especially after such defining moments.
Regardless, these events have done little to dampen the spirits of the Lionesses or to diminish public affection for the players. Following the medal presentation, Kelly was seen basking in the moment, adorned with sunglasses and clutching the Euros trophy, a symbol of her team’s relentless drive and unity.
Scott, who enjoyed an illustrious career as a Lioness herself before moving into broadcasting, handled the potentially awkward situation with characteristic composure, maintaining the celebratory tone of the event. The atmosphere throughout the parade remained spirited, with players and fans alike revelling in the team’s latest international achievement.
Ultimately, while Kelly’s spirited language may have briefly caught the BBC off guard, the incident served as a reminder of the unfiltered passion these athletes bring to their sport. It also highlighted the growing popularity and visibility of women’s football, with tens of thousands eager to share in the Lionesses’ success and the unforgettable moments that come with it.