FOOTBALLER Alex Scott has netted another big time TV role fronting BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The pundit, 36, who is taking over from Sue Barker as host of A Question of Sport, joins Gary Lineker, 60, Clare Balding, 49, and Gabby Logan, 47, in the line-up for the annual ceremony.
Alex 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.”
Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton, boxer Tyson Fury, snooker veteran Ronnie O’Sullivan, cricketer Stuart Broad and jockey Hollie Doyle are up for the prize, which is awarded live on December 20.
Last month, the former Strictly star revealed that she is regularly bombarded with death and rape threats – which worsened when she was tipped to present A Question of Sport.
The footballer spoke out about her harrowing ordeal with online trolls over the years on Clara Amfo’s podcast This City.
Alex admitted in the chat that the immense hate can become incredibly hard to deal with, and she was even scared of living alone.
The ex Arsenal star said that while she has been a target for online hate for years, the most recent backlash came after it was revealed that she will replace sacked Sue Barker as the host of BBC’s A Question of Sport – when trolls targeted her race.
She told Clara: “It was like every day, every day when I was coming off I was just getting this wave and this wave. And then like I said, then there were death threats and rape threats.
“I live on my own and I’m like, I can’t even. Who can I even speak to about this? I don’t want my mum to worry. I don’t want, like how I said people to feel like I can’t handle myself or I can’t handle this business because what?”
Alex went on to admit that in her darkest days she turned to drink, but has now decided to “use her voice” and “fight for change”.
She added: “I’m in a position where I can keep having these conversations.
“I know I’ve got a role and I have to play; I have a platform and it’s my responsibility to use my platform in the right way.”
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