ALEX Scott is known for her impressive footwork on the football field, and now she’s trying out a whole new skillset on the Strictly 2019 dancefloor.
The 34-year-old is one of the celebs donning the sequins for Strictly Come Dancing – and she’s already been tipped as the favourite to win. Here’s everything we know about the history-making Lioness…
Who is Alex Scott?
Born October 14, 1984, Alexandra Virina Scott is an English footballer who retired in 2017.
Scott was welcomed on to the Emirates pitch to a standing ovation after announcing her retirement as part of Arsene Wenger‘s leaving party after the men’s last home game.
During her career she has won eight league titles, three WSL Cups and seven FA Cups, the Champions League once and two Community Shields.
The 34-year-old made 148 appearances for the Gunners.
She also put in 140 appearances for England.
Scott made her debut for the national side in 2004 where she went on to become England’s second-most capped player, winning a silver and bronze medal at the 2009 Euros and 2015 World Cup respectively.
She was named in Great Britain’s 18-player squad for the 2012 London Olympics and was awarded an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for her services to football.
What has Alex Scott said about Strictly 2019?
Alex Scott is thrilled to be the first female footballer to compete on the popular BBC One show as producers hope to capitalise on the popularity of the Women’s World Cup.
She says: “I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly.
“It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it.
“I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time…
“The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!”
The news was revealed on Ace’s show on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
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Who is Alex Scott’s Strictly Come Dancing partner?
The football pundit has been partnered with Strictly favourite Neil Jones.
This is the first time Neil has been paired with a celebrity contestant.
He generally works behind the scenes and performs during group dances.
How much is Alex Scott getting paid for Strictly 2019?
If she manages to stay on the dance floor until the end of October this then rises to £40,000.
Any star that makes it to the quarter-finals sees their fee jump to £60,000 – and if she wins she will pocket a whopping £100,000.
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How did Alex Scott make TV history?
Outside of her playing career, Alex is also a TV presenter and pundit for the BBC and Sky.
Scott retired from football at the end of the 2017 season to focus on her burgeoning broadcasting career.
She regularly appears on BBC’s Final Score and presents Sky’s Goals on Sunday with Chris Kamara and in 2016, she featured and ended up winning Bear Grylls‘ TV show, Mission Survive.
Aside from media, she started the Alex Scott Academy in 2011 for female footballers aged 16-19.
Scott became Sky Sports’ first female pundit in 2018 after her time on the BBC team at the Summer 2018 World Cup.
When is Strictly Come Dancing 2019 on?
The official start date for the live Strictly Come Dancing shows began on Saturday, September 21, with the final coming on Saturday, December 14.
The show will air on BBC One and is shown on this channel every Saturday and Sunday until mid-December.
All episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after airing.
