Sky One books celebrity football show for second series

by Staff,, Brand Republic 12-Oct-04, 15:00

LONDON – Sky One has ordered a second series of celebrity football show 'The Match' after the finale secured more than 2m viewers and Robbie Williams confessed he wanted to play on the next show.

'The Match' finale played at Newcastle's St James Park on Sunday night saw The Legends team including Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson, beat The Celebs consisting of 'Royle Family' actor Ralf Little and So Solid star Harvey by two goals to one, which was less than some had been predicting.

The show averaged 1.8m or 12.2% between 7pm and 10.30pm on Sunday night with the audience peaking at 2.6m during the second half of the game.

Pop giant Williams was among the 50,000 strong crowd, supporting his best mate and former 'You've been Framed' presenter Jonathan Wilkes, who managed to score the only celebrity goal.

Williams told a tabloid newspaper: "I'd love to play, if there's a match next season. I'll be out there on the pitch."

Sky were also keen on securing the housewives favourite Rod Stewart, who regularly competes in charity football match Soccer Six, for the second series.

Sky will be hoping that bigger name celebs will pull in more viewers for than the modestly successful first run.

A Sky One spokesman said: "We were delighted with the success of 'The Match' and look forward to the show returning next year."

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