Zoe Ball jumps the gun by congratulating Alex Scott on replacing Dan Walker on BBC show

Zoe Ball congratulates Alex Scott for Football Focus role

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Zoe Ball, 50, appeared to get ahead of herself this morning when she congratulated Alex Scott, 36, on landing Dan Walker’s hosting role on Football Focus. The presenter shared the reports with her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show listeners this morning after hearing rumours about her former Strictly Come Dancing co-star’s new job.

Zoe’s words come as a surprise, as it has not yet been officially confirmed by the BBC that Alex will be taking over from BBC Breakfast host Dan, who announced his decision to quit at the end of the season last week.

A BBC spokesman has only said: “An announcement on the new presenter will be made in due course,” while responding to the speculation.

Seeming to be unaware of the fact that the news about Alex hadn’t been announced by the broadcaster, Zoe exclaimed on air: “Congratulations to my lovely friend Alex Scott, who becomes the first woman to host Football Focus, as she takes over from Dan Walker, who’s leaving after 12 years on the show. 

“Well done Dan, you’ve been fabulous, he’s got new adventures ahead and he’ll be staying within the BBC covering lots of sport and of course doing the morning show as well on the telly box. 

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“So Alex takes over for the new season.

“Alex, well done to you, that is rather fabulous!”

Alex recently took to Twitter to reply to her BBC Sports colleague Gary Lineker, who also congratulated her without realising the news had not been confirmed.

The former Arsenal footballer shared a funny GIF from Netflix series Schitt’s Creek, in which character Moira says: “I’ve seen this movie before.”

Gary had penned: “Congratulations and good luck @AlexScott with your new role presenting Football Focus. 

“With 140 @englandlioness caps and about 350 trophies in the cabinet, I reckon you’ll do brilliantly.”

After realising his error, Gary tweeted: “Apparently there’s nothing official yet. 

“Saw it was trending so may have jumped in prematurely. I know nothing.”

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Alex’s response to Gary seems to be in reference to further unconfirmed reports that she was set to replace Sue Barker after it was announced the host would be leaving A Question Of Sport after 24 years back in January.

The presenter also shared a GIF from Beyonce’s Deja Vu music video.

Beyonce could be seen dancing alongside her lyrics: “Baby I swear it’s Deja Vu.”

She humorously captioned the post: “My Twitter today.”

The Football Focus speculation initially mounted after a source claimed: “Alex was deemed the perfect fit for the role. 

“After her stint on Strictly in 2019, her popularity went through the roof.”

The insider went on to add to The Sun how it was not only Alex’s knowledge of broadcasting that makes her the best replacement for Dan, but also her past as a football player.

This would give her extensive expertise on the popular game and how to analyse players’ performances on the field.

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