Former England football star Jill Scott has spoken out about the upcoming final series of the iconic Sky show, A League of Their Own, while directly challenging the outdated notion that women cannot engage in or handle banter.
Banter, Trust, and Being 'One of the Lads'
Scott, who joined the show as a team captain in July 2023, explained that the programme provided the perfect environment to debunk this stereotype. She emphasised that when you are surrounded by people you trust and consider friends, banter becomes a light-hearted and enjoyable part of the dynamic.
'On this show, you're just one of the lads really,' she stated. 'Sometimes people think that women are more sensitive or you can't have banter and stuff like that. But hopefully this shows that if you’re in an environment where you trust people, and you're friends with people, the banter and everything can be taken in a light-hearted way.'
Despite initial nerves about joining such an iconic show, Scott credited her co-stars Romesh Ranganathan, Jamie Redknapp, and Micah Richards for making her feel immediately at ease, fostering a trusting and fun atmosphere.
A Fitting Finale for an Iconic Show
The 20th series will be the show's last, promising to go out with a bang. The final outing will feature the usual mix of wacky challenges, from extreme assault courses to popstar penalties and lubricated-floor hockey.
Scott shared that the games have been stepped up for the finale, with the 'handbrake definitely off.' She is particularly excited about the lineup of special guests, which includes football stars like her fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly, as well as England legends Wayne Rooney and Harry Maguire.
'I'm so excited to get Wayne on,' she said. 'He's so funny – he’s got such a dry sense of humour. And he's one of the best footballers to ever play the game.'
Memories, Fears, and Lasting Friendships
Reflecting on her time on the show, Scott cited hilarious moments like seeing Micah Richards dressed as a human dart. However, her most memorable challenge was also her most terrifying: riding a bike on a high tightrope, forcing her to confront her fear of heights.
As the series draws to a close, the 38-year-old, who also won I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, is confident that the friendships forged on set will endure long after the final credits roll.
'I'm sure we'll all keep in touch, and still grab a coffee together,' she said. 'They've definitely become friends.'
While sad to see the show end, Scott views the final series as a celebration of its entire legacy. 'It's such an iconic show, so we've got to go out with a bang,' she said. 'It's one of the best shows I've ever been part of, and I've loved every minute of it.'
A League of Their Own airs its final series on Wednesdays on Sky.
