Former England football manager Sam Allardyce has surprised fans by making his acting debut in CBBC drama series Jamie Johnson FC, with his performance proving so impressive that producers have already extended his role into the next series.
From Football Pitch to Television Screen
The 71-year-old, who left Leeds United in June 2023, made his first appearance last Thursday playing the first team manager for Hawx United. The current series ended with a classic cliffhanger showing Allardyce's character asking the Academy's coach to become his assistant, leaving viewers wondering what would happen next.
Despite admitting to "sweaty armpit" moments during his debut, Allardyce has followed in the footsteps of footballing greats like Eric Cantona and Vinnie Jones by transitioning into drama. Executive Producer Sam Talbot revealed they didn't even audition the former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham manager, saying: "He's always had a great personality, we wanted someone who is a legend with stature. Having Sam is wonderful because it adds to the authenticity."
Conquering Nerves and Dyslexia
Allardyce confessed that memorising lines presented his biggest challenge, particularly given his dyslexia. "You have to remember the lines the best you can, which is my biggest challenge - and one I've never encountered in football," he explained. "I struggled at school because I have dyslexia. So with acting it was extra important to spend time memorising the words in my head long before we started filming."
The veteran manager adapted by occasionally requesting to change sentences that didn't suit his natural expression, with directors happily accommodating his suggestions. Despite initial nerves, he found the second filming experience much more comfortable, even with more lines to deliver.
Future Ambitions and Life Beyond Football
Now enjoying more free time since leaving professional football management, Allardyce has become a fan of documentaries and soaps - and hasn't ruled out appearing on Coronation Street. "What the future holds? Corrie, who knows? Walking in the pub would be fantastic," he mused. "You never know, do you? Whatever comes along will be interesting."
He joins other football stars including Marcus Rashford and Leah Williamson who have made cameo appearances in the show, which features dramatic storylines around rivalries, espionage, corrupt sponsors and off-pitch tensions.
Allardyce has no immediate plans to return to football management, instead focusing on his podcast No Tippy Tappy Football, Q&A sessions, and travelling with his wife to discover new places. He remains an avid football watcher, though, enjoying multiple televised games each weekend while his wife watches her programmes elsewhere.
The grandfather also praised Jamie Johnson FC for inspiring children to put down their screens and play football outdoors, while calling for better support for grassroots football facilities and volunteers.
