The BBC has announced changes to Final Score and The Football Interview for next season. The broadcaster has announced a new weekend timetable as part of a schedule overhaul, which will also see the axing of Football Focus.
Final Score has been essential for generations of football lovers across the UK, delivering match reports from across the country. Originally part of Grandstand, it became an independent program in 2001 and is now hosted by Jason Mohammad. The Football Interview is hosted by Kelly Summers and offers a glimpse into some of the biggest names in the sport. This season’s participants include Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike.
Following the decision to abolish Football Focus, both programs will be aired in new time slots. The BBC has outlined how The Football Interview and The Final Score will be integrated into its revamped weekend line-up.
Alex Kay Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said in a statement: “From next season, The Football Interview will move to Saturdays at 12.45pm on BBC One, and will feature some of the biggest names in the game sharing their stories.
“Already this season, some of football’s hottest stars have revealed their secrets to Kelly Summers, including Bukayo Saka, Emma Hayes, Bernardo Silva, Hugo Ekitike and Michael Carrick.
“Final Score with Jason Mohammad starts at 3:45pm on BBC One and our team of reporters and expert analysts will be bringing you every goal, drama and defining moment as we break down every twist and turn of the afternoon’s game.
“Both programs are also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.”
The changes come after the BBC said goodbye to Football Focus. This timeless weekly show first aired in 1974 as part of Grandstand.
Like Final Score, this magazine-style show became an independent show in 2001.
Alex Scott has been the frontman for Football Focus since 2021. In a statement, the BBC said the decision to end the program was taken in consideration of “changes in audience behavior” and the company’s “need to take appropriate action”.
Kay Jelski said: “Football Focus is a hugely important program in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the story of the game to generations of viewers.
“This decision comes ahead of the BBC’s wider savings announcement last week and reflects the continued changes in the way viewers engage with football and our commitment to evolving the way we deliver content to fans wherever they are.
“Alex Scott is one of our best presenters, hugely popular across the men’s and women’s games and a huge part of our present and future.
“Not only will she remain at the heart of our sporting activities at both this year’s Men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but she will also continue to star in the Women’s Super League and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
“We’re also working on a very exciting new project with her, which we’ll be announcing more about soon.”
