Jason Manford has two ambitions with his Soccer Aid return - raise an incredible amount of money for charity and win bragging rights against his neighbour Paddy McGuinness.
The comic, 42, will be on the pitch when the star-studded football match takes place at Stamford Bridge next month as part of the Word XI line-up, while Paddy will be in nets for the England team.
With just weeks to go until kick-off, Jason has issued a warning to Paddy ahead of their showdown on the pitch. The West End star is ready and raring to go and planning to return to Cheshire, where he and Paddy both live, as the victor.
Soccer Aid will be streamed live on ITV1, STV and ITVX will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O'Leary, who will be joined once again by UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter, Alex Scott. Sam Matterface returns as Commentator, with Iain Stirling on Co-Comms duty.
A half-time entertainment show will also be announced in due course. Previous performers include Rita Ora, Robbie Williams and Tom Grennan. England have won five times since the game began in 2006 but their last victory came in 2018. They trail the Soccer Aid World XI FC who have won the fixture seven times and are on a record five-year winning streak.
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Jason, who will be playing alongside the likes of Love Island star Tommy Fury on the World XI team, is preparing to secure the bragging rights in Cheshire when he steps out on the pitch. Jason, who lives close to England goalie Paddy, first made his Soccer Aid debut back in 2020, with restrictions putting a slight dampener on event.
"Unfortunately, because I was in the [line-up for] the lockdown year there was a lot of people who weren't able to travel here," Jason recalled when speaking to the Mirror last week. The TV funnyman went on to reveal who he is looking forward to having a kickabout with.
"So to be able to play alongside Roberto Carlos and Usain Bolt, , you know, people like that, I think is so exciting," he explained, before admitting: But I'm most excited about Paddy McGuinness being in the England goal I just He lives near me. I see him a lot. We're pals and we've got lots of mutual friends."
Jason Manford will be playing outfield for the World XI team (©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)
While Paddy McGuinness will be in nets for the England team (Getty Images for Paramount Pictures UK)Jason then declared: "And I just think if I could just put one in top bins against Paddy McGuinness that the bragging rights back in Cheshire will go through the roof. I'd do a billboard near his house or near his kids' school, so he has to see it every day. Obviously, the number one goal is to raise a lot of money for charity, but number two goal is to get one past Paddy."
Speaking ahead of the match next week, Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams gushed: "Soccer Aid for UNICEF is one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. It is an amazing event. When we launched this nearly two decades ago, I would never have dreamed it would raise as much money as it has.
"The main reason the match continues to be such a success, is because the great British public continue to be so generous in supporting UNICEF’s work helping children around the world have happy, healthy, play-filled childhoods. Once again, I am kindly asking you to buy a ticket to the game on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge – the line-up is as star-studded as ever!"
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge, London. Buy your tickets at
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