BBC Presenter Alex Scott: Public Success, Private Struggles, and a Famous Partnership
Alex Scott, one of the most prominent faces in British sports broadcasting, will again take centre stage as she presents BBC coverage of the Women’s European Championships final between England and Spain in Basel. The former Arsenal and England right-back has captivated audiences, transitioning from an illustrious playing career with 140 England caps into a respected voice within the BBC’s football team.
As Scott’s profile continues to rise, her role stretches well beyond the football pitch. Today, the 39-year-old anchors flagship programmes such as Football Focus, frequently appearing at global sporting events and leading conversations on the growth of women’s football. Her ability to engage audiences has cemented her as a trailblazer for female and ethnic minority representation in football media.
A recent BBC salary disclosure revealed Scott’s pay for the last year sat between £205,000 and £210,000, marking a modest reduction from the previous financial year, when she earned up to £225,000. Her earnings reflect a host of responsibilities, from coverage of the Olympics and high-stakes matches to regular appearances on The One Show. Within the context of the BBC’s gender pay debate, Scott remains among the few women in the broadcaster’s top salary tiers, reflecting both her popularity and the impact she’s had on the industry.
Attention has not been limited to her professional life. Scott’s personal journey has also attracted public interest, especially her relationship with acclaimed British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne. The couple have appeared together regularly since 2023 and made their relationship public earlier this year. Glynne, famous for chart-toppers like “Rather Be” and “Hold My Hand,” continues to be a household name—not least because the latter remains the anthem for Jet2’s television campaigns.
Interestingly, Glynne’s association with Jet2 has garnered mixed reactions from the travelling public. Passengers’ frustration over repeated playbacks of her song on flights has triggered customer feedback campaigns on social media. Despite some calls for a change, Jet2 has defended its musical choice, pointing to positive feedback and the joyful atmosphere the song brings to holidaymakers.
Scott and Glynne have reportedly been contemplating a move to the United States—a rumour fuelled by hardships Scott has faced at the BBC. In 2024, reports emerged that Scott felt disappointed and unsupported during a slump in Football Focus’s viewing figures, with sources suggesting she was considering a significant life change. Despite these challenges, Scott has publicly disputed claims of plummeting numbers, determined to stand by her team and the show’s loyal audience. For now, both Scott and Glynne remain on British soil, though speculation about their potential transatlantic shift lingers.
While Scott’s professional merits garner applause, her rise has unfortunately also exposed her to the more insidious side of fame. She has spoken openly about receiving racist, misogynistic abuse and even threats of physical violence—including threats of an acid attack. In a candid interview, Scott recounted the distress such messages have caused, revealing she once felt afraid to leave her house. These admissions highlight the darker realities faced by women—particularly women of colour—in high-profile broadcasting roles.
Despite these deeply personal challenges, Scott has not wavered in her commitment to championing diversity and challenging stereotypes in sport. Her resilience serves as both inspiration and a stark reminder of the persistent obstacles confronting women in the public eye.
Scott’s journey from the football pitch to the studio, punctuated by personal achievement and adversity, is emblematic of broader cultural shifts in British sport and media. Her professional acumen, coupled with her openness about the difficulties she has faced, continues to spark important conversations about representation, equality, and respect in public life. As Scott prepares to lead viewers through yet another major sporting milestone, her presence is a beacon for many—on and off the pitch.
For the latest insights and sports coverage, stay tuned as Scott brings her expertise and unique perspective to BBC screens during the Women’s European Championships final.