Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to ‘quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats

Wales Online

19 hours ago

Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to 'quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats
Alex Scott will host Soccer Aid alongside Dermot O'Leary, but from her love-life to a possible move to the USA, how much do you really know about the ex-Arsenal player-turned-BBC star?
Alex Scott and Jess Glynne
(Image: PA )
Former Arsenal Women's footballer-turned-TV presenter Alex Scott is a familiar face to many in the UK. From the football pitch to the media glare, her transition has been smooth.
On Sunday evening, Scott will co-host Soccer Aid with Dermot O'Leary on ITV1, adding to her impressive roster of presenting gigs which includes Final Score, Match of the Day, Football Focus and The One Show.
‌
The 40-year-old made her mark playing for the Gunners, Birmingham City and Boston Breakers in the NWSL – as well as earning 140 caps for England.
‌
However, her journey from footballer to television personality hasn't been without its challenges. We delve into Scott's personal life, her struggles at the BBC, a possible move to the US, and a harrowing incident involving a kidnapping in Russia.
Missing out on Match of the Day and USA plans
A disappointing moment in Scott's burgeoning media career came last year when she was passed over for the Match of the Day role. Gary Lineker stepped down from the iconic show after a 25-year tenure, and Scott was reportedly a leading contender to replace him, with BBC bosses keen to take a new direction.
However, the job ultimately went to the seasoned trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will now share presenting duties.
Article continues below
There were also rumours that Scott planned to move to the USA with her partner, Jess Glynne, to explore further opportunities in her field, following a difficult period with the BBC that came to light last October.
Scott shared her pride at Football Focus viewing figures in 2023
(Image: Molly Darlington - The FA/The FA via Getty Images )
The Sun reported that Scott was 'hurt' following a drop in ratings for Football Focus, which she presents, coupled with a perceived lack of support from BBC executives.
‌
She had previously addressed rumours regarding the decline in viewership on X in September 2023, insisting that the numbers were strong.
But fast forward a year, and a source in October 2024 said: "Alex is now seriously contemplating moving on from the show. Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus.
"The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures."
‌
As for her plans with Gylnne, the source revealed they were "contemplating a move to America." Yet as it stands, Scott is staying put in Britain for now, ready to take centre stage on ITV1's Soccer Aid event come Sunday evening.
Jess Glynne relationship and love-life
Since the summer of 2023, Scott and 'Rather Be' singer Glynne have been romantically an item. Initially keeping their relationship under wraps, Scott eventually confirmed their status as a couple through social media posts, reports the Mirror.
She has also expressed her desire to start a family with Glynne. However, finding love wasn't straightforward for the star.
‌
Alex has been dating singer Jess Glynne since 2023
(Image: Ian West/PA Wire )
She credits Glynne, 35, with helping her overcome her fear of forming close relationships – a fear she attributes to her childhood experiences with her father, Tony, who has refuted these claims about his parenting.
"We weren't allowed to express emotion," Scott said to The Times in June 2024. "Dad didn't allow us to hug each other or say, 'I love you.' It had a huge impact on us all.
‌
"I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like... {rigid]. She was like, 'Are you not going to put your arms around me?' But I didn't know how to do that."
Scott has previously been open about her past romance with fellow England and Arsenal footballer Kelly Smith, with whom she shared an eight-year relationship before parting ways in 2013. In her autobiography, How (Not) To Be Strong, Scott revealed she was "madly and deeply in love" with Smith.
Acid attack warning and death threats
Scott has been forthright about the darker side of celebrity life. She recounted her experience with serious threats, including one involving an acid attack.
‌
"There are negatives to fame. I've had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats," she told The Times. "People were saying, 'She's only on TV because she's black, female and younger. She's just ticking boxes.' I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face."
Alex Scott and Kelly Smith (R) ended their relationship in 2013
(Image: David Price )
However, a harrowing incident occurred while Scott was covering the World Cup in Moscow for the BBC in 2018. In her memoir, she recounts being kidnapped by an Uber driver, turning what should have been a routine 15-minute journey into a terrifying ordeal.
Article continues below
After the driver chillingly threatened, "Girls like you, I kill", Scott's quick thinking led her to claim a friendship with Vladimir Putin, having met the Russian president earlier on her trip.
She warned the driver: "If I don't see Putin tomorrow, he will find you," – a statement that seemingly saved her, as the driver subsequently dropped her off at her destination.