SportFootballDan WalkerBBC Football Focus presenters from the past, including Dan Walker, were part of the show's tribute on their final episode ever12:14, 24 May 2026Updated 12:30, 24 May 2026Dan Walker returned to the BBC to play his part in an emotional tribute on the last ever Football Focus show, with the long-running programme to conclude at the end of the season.‌It was confirmed in late April that after over 50 years on our screens, the television magazine programme was set to stop airing following nearly 2,000 episodes.‌In the opening few minutes of their show, a number of presenters over the years recorded messages with Walker among them. He departed the broadcaster and Football Focus in 2022 to move over to Channel 5.‌Current host Alex Scott was also part of the package and was struggling to hold back tears as she sat down to be interviewed.READ MORE: Why is Football Focus ending? BBC's decision to cancel iconic show explainedREAD MORE: Premier League final day LIVE: Tottenham relegation, Liverpool Champions League fightCameras later cut to her in the studio, where she was joined by Football Focus icon Garth Crooks. He spent just over 20 years as a pundit on the show before departing in 2022.He also cut ties with the BBC over his weekly Premier League team of the week column two years later. Their preview of the final day's action quickly followed with Crooks backing Tottenham to avoid relegation.‌JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageCommentator Guy Mowbray was also on hand to issue a touching tribute during his segment on the show while outside the Etihad Stadium.Upon cameras returning to the studio, Scott revealed she was being thrown off by the tributes, with it perhaps not sinking in that this is her last show.‌Confirming that Football Focus would not be continuing beyond the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, a BBC statement read: "Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season."First broadcast in 1974, Football Focus is a testament to the brilliant team who have worked on it over the years and, of course, the audience.Article continues below"The programme has been a staple of the BBC’s football coverage for decades, providing fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game ahead of the weekend’s fixtures."But changing audience behaviours mean fans are now increasingly consuming football content in different ways and we need to respond appropriately as we face difficult decisions around how the licence fee is spent."Fans are accessing discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it is right that BBC Sport adapts how it brings football coverage to the widest audiences across television, radio, online and to its extensive social platforms."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Football FocusDan WalkerAlex ScottBBC