Lioness legend Jill Scott and stand-up comedian Maisie Adam were nearly half an hour late to this year's Soccer Aid charity match. The pair arrived a full 25 minutes after the 6.30pm kick-off time, missing the start of the game at London Stadium.
Reason for the Delay
The lateness is believed to have been caused by their prior commitments: both were co-hosting Channel 4's coverage of the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, located on the opposite side of London. After wrapping up their presenting duties, Jill, 39, and Maisie, 32, had to rush across the city to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, a journey of some 23 miles. They eventually took their seats on the England team bench midway through the first half.
Soccer Aid's 20th Anniversary
Soccer Aid, broadcast on ITV, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The annual charity football match aims to raise vital funds for UNICEF, the global children's charity, bringing together world-class football legends and beloved celebrities. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney led the England team, managed by singer Robbie Williams. The squad included England women's stars Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton, as well as former men's internationals Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, and Joe Hart.
Actors Danny Dyer, Tom Hiddleston, and Adolescence star Owen Cooper also participated. TV personalities Paddy McGuinness, Jack Whitehall, and Sam Thompson were spotted on the pitch, alongside former England rugby player Joe Marler. Radio presenter Jordan North, podcaster GK Barry, I'm a Celebrity winner Angry Ginge, and Love Island star Chloe Burrows completed the England lineup.
World XI Side
Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt managed the World XI team, which featured Edwin van der Sar, Michael Essien, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Nitro, Ali Krieger, Jen Beattie, Nicky Byrne, Dermot Kennedy, Chris O'Dowd, Richard Gadd, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
Surprise Appearance by Hollywood Legends
Earlier, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen made a surprise appearance. The Hollywood icons, famous for voicing Toy Story characters Woody and Buzz, dropped the ball for the kick-off. Interviewed by GK Barry, Tom Hanks, 69, said: "We're going to drop the ball for the kick off, and we're going to raise money for Soccer Aid." Tim Allen, 72, joked: "We don't know, I'm just b***ing about penalty shots." As Americans unfamiliar with European football, Tim admitted he would "try to work out how you win or lose a game on a penalty shot." Tom, who claimed some knowledge of the UK game, retorted: "You cannot use your hands." Tim later delighted the crowd by repeating Buzz Lightyear's catchphrase, "To infinity and beyond!"
The coverage was presented by This Morning's Dermot O'Leary and Football Focus host Alex Scott, a former England international with 140 caps.
