Alex Scott is set to present BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the first time

Alex Scott is set to present BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020 for the first time later this month.

The former footballer, 36, who has been tipped to replace Sue Barker on A Question of Sport, will front the event with fellow broadcasters Gary Lineker, Clare Balding.

In a press release, the Strictly Come Dancing star said she’s ‘excited’ to join the line-up for the live ceremony on December 20. 

‘I’m excited!” Alex Scott is set to present BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020 for the first time with Clare Balding, Gary Lineker and Gabby Logan

The sportswoman said: ‘Now more than ever it will be amazing to champion those who have stood out this year in their field. As well as highlighting the unsung heroes who have made a positive difference in 2020 despite how challenging the year has been for so many.’ 

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been nominated for the award alongside boxer Tyson Fury, cricketer Stuart Broad, jockey Hollie Doyle, footballer Jordan Henderson and snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan. 

Cricketer Ben Stokes scooped the title last year, beating racing star Lewis and sprinter Dina Asher-Smith.

Earlier this year, Alex admitted she is continually accused of ‘ticking a box’ in her broadcasting career amid speculation she’s set to host A Question of Sport after Sue, 64, was axed following a 24-year stint. 

Take over? The former footballer, 36, who has been tipped to replace Sue Barker (pictured with Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell) on A Question of Sport, will front the event on December 20

Take over? The former footballer, 36, who has been tipped to replace Sue Barker (pictured with Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell) on A Question of Sport, will front the event on December 20

Starry line-up: F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been nominated for the award alongside the likes of boxer Tyson Fury and cricketer Stuart Broad

Starry line-up: F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been nominated for the award alongside the likes of boxer Tyson Fury and cricketer Stuart Broad

Speaking to Women’s Health’s Going For Goal podcast, the pundit said: ‘Every job that I’m linked to and every job that I’m going to be doing on screen for the next couple of years, I know the first thing people will be saying – a lot of it because it is already happening – it’s because I’m ticking a box.

‘I came back from playing professional in America in 2012 just before the London Olympics, I was already thinking about my career after sport then.

‘I went and I did a media degree in 2013 – I spent two years doing that for this same reason, so that no one could ever say that I was just ticking a box.’

The TV star currently has a career in broadcasting, notably appearing as a pundit during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, having retired from football in 2017.

Current holder: Cricketer Ben Stokes scooped the title last year, beating racing star Lewis and sprinter Dina Asher-Smith

Current holder: Cricketer Ben Stokes scooped the title last year, beating racing star Lewis and sprinter Dina Asher-Smith

Alex went on to share that she goes to therapy, describing the process as ‘an awakening’.

The media personality said: ‘I absolutely love it. Some people think, oh going to therapy, why am I going to have someone tell me about myself, I know about myself, but it’s like a weight off my shoulders every single time I go. It has given me tools to deal with things.’

She also confessed she was severely trolled during her career and that her mental health suffered. 

The ex-England defender played down rumours that BBC bosses have rubber-stamped her appointment to replace Sue back in September. 

On Instagram, Alex wrote: ‘The love & support shown to me yesterday has me smiling through the weekend #thankyou I am going to #keeponkeepingon like always!’  

Scott, who is of Irish and Jamaican descent, has previously opened up about her dive into a ‘dark place’ following online abuse in the past.

BBC Match Of The Day presenter Gary, 59, fanned rumours Alex’s appointment had been confirmed when he tweeted: ‘Congratulations and good luck to @AlexScott on being the new host for Question Of Sport.    

‘Smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role. Oh… and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem.’

The tweet, which was later deleted, made reference to the racist trolling the London native had received. 

The BBC was forced to deny claims she had got the role as 64-year-old Sue Barker’s replacement, saying that nothing had been decided just yet.  

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘This is all speculation, and no conversations have been made about the future line-up.’

 

No deals yet: The ex-England defender played down rumours that BBC bosses have rubber-stamped her appointment to replace Sue back in September

No deals yet: The ex-England defender played down rumours that BBC bosses have rubber-stamped her appointment to replace Sue back in September