FORMER footballer Alex Scott is poised to replace Sue Barker as the host of A Question Of Sport.
The 35-year-old, who starred in last year’s Strictly, impressed BBC bosses after two previous appearances on the long-running series.
She is due to meet with execs next month before castings and contracts are signed in December, with a formal announcement in the new year.
A source said: “Alex is being lined up as host, as a direct replacement for Sue.
“Like Sue, she’s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt.
“She’s a natural on camera and, crucially, lives and breathes all things sport.
“This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.
“While a lot can happen over the next three months, as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job.”
Bookies have made the former Arsenal defender 2/1 to land the gig, with fans online also backing Alex in the role.
She would be the fourth presenter in the 50-year history of the show, famous for its “what happened next?” round.
David Vine was first, with boxer Henry Cooper and cricketer Fred Trueman among the captains.
David Coleman followed, often joined by rugby ace Bill Beaumont and cricket legend Ian Botham. Sue took over in 1997.
Alex, who first appeared on A Question Of Sport in 2016, won 140 England caps, scoring 12 goals.
She also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics and was awarded an MBE in 2016.
News of the appointment comes after it emerged ex-tennis ace Sue, 64, was being axed along with the current team captains — ex-rugby star Matt Dawson, 47, and former cricketer Phil Tufnell, 54.
Sue has expressed her disappointment at being let go.
She said: “I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away.
“It’s been my dream job. But I understand the BBC wants to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.”
Names in the frame to replace Matt and Phil include footie pundit Jermaine Jenas, ex-cricketer Alex Tudor, former rugby ace Jason Robinson, hockey star Sam Quek and cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
