TV &REVIEWS
Our pick of what to watch this week, plus the best podcasts and new books…
WORDS: MICHAEL DARLING, RACHEL OGDEN. PHOTOS: ITV, ALAMY, APPLE TV+, BBC, NETFLIX
Famous faces, including former footballer Jill Scott, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier and TV presenter Roman Kemp, lace up their boots for annual fundraiser Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Here, Alex Scott, who once again hosts the event with Dermot O’Leary, reveals more…
What do you think makes Soccer Aid for UNICEF so special?
The fact that so many people come together and have a good time, but on the day, we all know what it goes towards and I’ve seen it first-hand. It’s incredible to be part of something that will help vulnerable kids all over the world. It’s going to be as epic as always this year!
Because you’ve seen where UNICEF’s money is spent, does it give the annual event extra-special meaning for you?
It does. I’ve done a couple of trips to Namibia, Iraq and Papua New Guinea, and it definitely gives you perspective on life. The children share their stories with you and they still have hopes and dreams, and they’re still smiling. They’re such an inspiration. It reminds you why Soccer Aid for UNICEF is so important. It gives those kids a chance to keep smiling, to get them off the streets and away from crime and the abuse that may be going on at home. I’ve seen what a difference making one single donation can make. It can be life-saving.
If you could sign up someone to play, who would it be and why?
Anyone from Ted Lasso. I think there could be something in that. Come to think of it, can we get Hannah Waddingham involved? What a woman!
Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019. As an Arsenal fan, how do you feel about this?
Ha! I can make my peace with it given that it’s for such an incredible cause!
WHAT TO STREAM
The latest releases to watch on demand
Presumed Innocent
APPLE TV+
In this eight-part thriller based on the novel by Scott Turow, Jake Gyllenhaal plays chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, who is a suspect in a horrific murder case.
Bridgerton
Netflix
As the third season returns with four more episodes, wedding bells are in the air, but could bride-to-be Penelope’s secret persona as Lady Whistledown put a spoke in the wheel?
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