Defiant Alex Scott tells racist, sexist trolls she's 'still standing' after year of online abuse

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Alex Scott attends the "Strictly Come Dancing" launch show red carpet at Television Centre on August 26, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)
Alex Scott attends the "Strictly Come Dancing" launch show red carpet at Television Centre on August 26, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Alex Scott has defiantly told trolls “I’m still standing” after a year of abuse on social media.

The 34-year-old told The Mirror: “I had all of it - for being a woman on TV, for being a woman of ­colour on TV, that I’m ticking a box, death threats.

“I had the lot. But I’m still standing.”

Read more: Footballer and pundit to join Strictly Come Dancing

One tweet sent from a viewer who disagreed with her analysis of a TV match during the 2018 World Cup, is still visible on the social media site.

The message reads: “You deserve to die immediately. I seriously hope and pray for that to happen NOW!!!!!”

“This past year has been so tough,” Scott said. “The abuse I was getting on social media just for having an opinion on football.

“I was going through a hard time with it. It’s not that I wasn’t expecting it because I know how social media is.”

The former Arsenal and England defender also revealed the abuse got so bad, it was upsetting her mum.

Scott said: “Tt was over a prolonged period of time and the abuse was getting worse. And it was my mum worrying. That’s when it really got to me.

“I thought, ‘What do I do?’ I felt alone in the process.

“I didn’t want to be that female that is seen to be complaining about my new role.

“The character that I am, I didn’t want to put that on anyone. I didn’t want my mum to worry.

“I was just carrying on going to work and doing what I’m doing.

“But then the flip side is I am ­inspiring so many people and ­changing people’s perceptions.”

England's Alex Scott prepares for a throw during their semi-final match against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada on July 1, 2015. A late own-goal by England defender Laura Bassett put defending champions Japan into the final of the Women's World Cup with a 2-1 win. AFP PHOTO / GEOFF ROBINS (Photo credit should read GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images)
England's Alex Scott prepares for a throw during their semi-final match against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada on July 1, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GEOFF ROBINS (Photo credit should read GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Strictly contestant made her England debut in 2004 going on to make 140 ­appearances for the Lionesses, something she says was fulfilling her “dream”.

Read more: Jason Manford claims Catherine Tyldesley broke 'Strictly' secrecy rule

She said: “When I got to Wembley I wasn’t nervous at all because I had that kid in me thinking, ‘This is your dream.’

“So you have to embrace it. And I feel exactly the same with Strictly.”

Scott is partnered with pro dancer Neil Jones on this year’s series of Strictly, which started on BBC One last night (7 September).