Matt Lucas and Elis James to host Fantasy Football reboot

Friday 29th April 2022, 10:23am

Image shows from L to R: Matt Lucas, Elis James

Matt Lucas and Elis James are set to film a pilot of a new version of Baddiel & Skinner's Fantasy Football League format.

David Baddiel and Frank Skinner's TV show, which was inspired by the Fantasy Football phenomenon which started in the early 1990s, ran on BBC Two (then ITV) for five series between 1994 and 2004.

The shows saw the comedians discussing football with guests and playing studio-based games.

Baddiel And Skinner Unplanned. Image shows from L to R: David Baddiel, Frank Skinner

The Sun reports that a new pilot is now in the works, for Sky.

The newspaper quotes a source as saying: "Fantasy Football is one of the most iconic football shows ever and there's been a hugely vocal demand for its return for several years. Sky believe their version can do it justice and eventually spark a full-on series.

"It will be very much in the mould of the original with a few modern tweaks."

Update: David Baddiel has confirmed the news, tweeting that he and Skinner have given their blessing to the new hosts.

The pilot will be recorded on Thursday 5th May 2022 at Television Centre, with the audience attending asked to wear football shirts. Tickets

Matt Lucas is an Arsenal fan, whilst Elis James follows Swansea City.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar in November and December, and thus it could be speculated that Sky are piloting the show now in the hope it could form part of their winter entertainment offering on Sky Max.

The newspaper adds: "It's yet to be confirmed if Angus Loughran will reprise his role as silk-pyjama wearing Statto, whose unrivalled knowledge of the beautiful game provided insight and laughs. Either way, football fans will lap it up."

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