Alex Scott Departs Disney+ After Gritty Show Launch

Alex Scott has stepped down from her position within Disney+'s Women’s Champions League coverage after an eventful launch of the new program 'The Hangout', which received significant backlash from viewers.

Reasons for Departure

The former Football Focus presenter began her tenure with Disney+ when the streaming service acquired rights to the prestigious European competition set to start in 2025. Scott has expressed her intentions to shift focus towards other projects and opportunities.

In an official statement shared by Disney+, the company thanked Scott for her contributions, noting her dedication to promoting women's football during her time with them. “Her passion for the women’s game and the competition shone through, and we are grateful for all that she brought to the team,” the statement read.

Controversial Show Launch

Scott's exit comes shortly after the highly-anticipated debut of 'The Hangout', a Match of the Day-style show aimed at engaging younger audiences. However, the premiere faced criticism for being disorganized and straying too far from football, at times introducing an influencer dog named Barley to predict match winners through treats.

Starring alongside Scott were former professional Lianne Sanderson and influencers Tyra Mills and Alex Bailess, but many fans took to social media to voice their discontent. One user remarked, “Disney thinks a revolving sofa and a dog would keep viewers interested while watching football, but that’s not what fans want.” Another quipped about the odd presence of the dog on a football show, questioning the focus of the coverage.

Future Endeavors

Despite the mixed reviews, Scott's departure signifies her desire to devote her attention to other endeavors, including her newly launched WSL program, 'One More Word WSL'. She previously bid farewell to Football Focus, which concluded its long-running run after 52 years on the air, mostly attributed to declining viewership and BBC budget cuts.

The finale saw a tearful Scott reflect on her time with the show, receiving a heartfelt gift from former presenter Garth Crooks—a photograph commemorating her journey that left her emotional. “For 52 years, wow, this show has done one thing,” she expressed, “It has brought football into your Saturday afternoons,” highlighting the connection between the show and its loyal fans.

Scott celebrated her birthday just before her announcement with musician partner Jess Glynne, marking both a personal milestone and a professional turning point.

Going forward, it will be interesting to see how both Scott and Disney+ navigate their futures in the evolving landscape of women’s football broadcasting.