Hollywood star Julia Roberts was in attendance at Old Trafford for Soccer Aid 2025, which sees an England team take on Soccer Aid World XI FC in a charity football match
William Morgan Reporter and Lauren Del Fabbro PA Entertainment Reporter
22:43, 15 Jun 2025Updated 23:08, 15 Jun 2025
England coach Tyson Fury’s seven-letter swear word saw Dermot and Alex scrambling to apologise to ITV viewers(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Dermot O’Leary delivered a “profuse apology” to ITV audiences after Tyson Fury, the heavyweight champion, let slip some colourful language during a pre-match pep talk live on air for England’s Soccer Aid 2025 team.
The star-studded charity event at Old Trafford also saw silver screen icon Julia Roberts mingling with football legend Wayne Rooney during the annual fundraiser that pits an England squad against Soccer Aid World XI FC, all in support of Unicef.
In the throes of motivation, Fury, who took on the role of manager for the England team, couldn’t contain his passion in the dressing room speech as he dropped the seven-letter swear. He said live on ITV:
“Let them know how good we are. We are England. We are f****** Spartans. We are Spartans.”
Following the raw moment, presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary swiftly offered their apologies to viewers, with Scott commenting:
“What can I say about Tyson Fury? We do apologise for the swearing, but it is Tyson Fury, we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Tyson Fury clearly wanted his side to be amped up for the match(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Adding to Scott’s sentiment, O’Leary stated: “We do profusely apologise.”
However, some viewers remained angry that Fury had used the language in the first place, with some even demanding that he should not appear on our screen again. Taking their outrage over the pre-watershed moment to X, one user said: “Why bother getting Tyson Fury on #SoccerAid2025? Of course he’s going to swear constantly on TV.”
Noting that lots of people were getting angry about his use of the F-word, @brikka49 took the mick, saying: “Hi ITV… it’s totally disgusting that uneducated idiot Tyson Fury was allowed to swear at 18:25 in the evening on the lord’s day.
“He should never appear on TV again!”
And some were just outraged that other people were outraged. @96_mikeys said: “God forbid Tyson Fury swearing on Soccer Aid, and people moaning and groaning already! Because at no point in your sad little cretin lives have you ever heard someone swear before.
“Grow up”
England player Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Adding a Hollywood shine to Old Trafford was ‘Pretty Woman’ actress Roberts, a self-proclaimed Manchester United enthusiast, captured taking pictures and sharing a smile with Rooney, who not long after dazzled the crowd by netting England’s opening goal.
Other notable names wearing the England kit included ex-One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and celebrated Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.
This year’s England team also welcomed Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, comedian Paddy McGuinness, ex-Manchester United player Gary Neville and singer Tom Grennan.
Last year saw England triumph with a 6-3 victory, marking the Three Lions’ first win in six years.
Soccer Aid was jointly established in 2006 by Robbie Williams to fundraise for children’s aid organisation Unicef. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the charity match has raised over £106 million.
While new shows are set to air this week, Soccer Aid also makes comeback to ITV with a multitude of familiar faces – from Tyson Fury to Jill Scott – taking part in the challenge.
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell will host the newest series of Long Lost Family(Image: ITV)
Another week of TV lies ahead, with plenty of shows to keep everybody happy – from nail-biting dramas and hard-hitting documentaries to long-awaited favourites.
For Channel 4, on the other hand, Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox leaves no stone unturned as she explores some of Britain’s unresolved cases alongside Professor David Wilson in the third series of true crime show, In The Footsteps of Killers.
Ryan Reynolds narrates a light-hearted documentary about nature’s benchwarmers – from insects to amphibians(Image: National Geographic)
Underdogs
Monday, Disney+
Ryan Reynolds flips the script and pays tribute to the bottom of the food chain in this light-hearted documentary. Teaming up with National Geographic, the Deadpool star lifts the lid on the secret lives of nature’s benchwarmers, from slugs and insects to amphibians and fish.
Featuring a range of never-before-filmed scenes, each episode of this five-part series shines alight on their bizarre mating strategies, dubious parenting skills and even their most nauseating behaviours as it finally gives these overlooked superstars their well-deserved glory.
Old Trafford plays host to the world’s biggest celebrity charity match with Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney set to co-manage England(Image: PA)
Soccer Aid for UNICEF
Sunday, ITV1
Old Trafford plays host to the world’s biggest celebrity charity match once again, as Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns for its 2025 showdown.
This year’s star-studded line-up sees the England team face off against the Soccer Aid XI FC in a match that’s as much about heart as it is about goals.
This chilling new crime thriller plunges us into Bolzano, Southern Tyrol, where Italian detective Paolo (played by Matteo Martari) is forced to face his past when a serial killer he once hunted – costing him a leg and his girlfriend – resurfaces after years in hiding, targeting German-speaking victims.
Caught up in a cold case that turns into an obsession, Paolo teams up with the sharp and ambitious assistant DA Eva Kofler (Elena Radonicich) as the pair navigate cultural divides, buried trauma and grisly secrets in this stylish, slow-burn nail-biter.
My Life is Murder
Tuesday, 9pm, U&Alibi
Lucy Lawless reprises her role as PI Alexa Crowe in the fourth season of this loveable crime drama from Down Under. When a wealthy socialite dies in suspicious circumstances, leaving her entire fortune to her cat, Alexa investigates a heady world of high society gossip.
Aided by tech guru Madison (Ebony Vagulans), cafe owner Reuben (Joe Naufahu), brother Will (Martin Henderson) and detective Harry (Rawiri Jobe), Alexa also comes face to face with new potential enemies with Bill Bailey and Rodger Corser making guest appearances.
Professor David Wilson and Emilia Fox return to screens to front the third season of In the Footsteps of Killers(Image: Channel 4)
In the Footsteps of Killers
Tuesday, C4
Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) returns alongside leading criminologist Professor David Wilson for the gripping third season of In the Footsteps of Killers. Each episode sees the pair reopen Britain’s most baffling unsolved murders – cold cases left gathering dust for decades.
Armed with cutting-edge forensic science and razor-sharp criminological insight, they retrace the victim’s final moments, challenge old assumptions, and uncover fresh leads the original investigations missed. It’s real-time justice in motion.
The Buccaneers return for a second season on Apple TV+(Image: Copyrighted)
The Buccaneers
Wednesday, Apple TV+
After invading the tightly corseted London of the 1870s, the American Buccaneers are fully settled in the second season of the eponymous show – in fact, they’re practically running the place.
Kristine Froseth, Josie Totah, Alisha Boe, Aubri Ibrag and Imogen Waterhouse all reprise their roles as the fun-loving American girls alongside Matthew Broome, Christina Hendricks and Guy Remmers.
Nan now has to navigate influence and power, while Jinny is thrown into the spotlight when she’s wanted for the kidnap of her unborn child. The girls wrestle everything from romance, jealousy and even death as they fight to be heard.
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell meet new people to help them reconnect with their Long Lost Family(Image: ITV)
Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace
Wednesday, ITV
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell return for the deeply moving seventh series of Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace. Across three captivating episodes, the team helps individuals who were abandoned as babies discover their biological roots using advanced DNA testing and archival detective work.
With the steady hand of social worker Ariel Bruce, stories unfold that span continents and decades. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, this series remains a tribute to resilience, identity and the enduring human need to belong.
Outrageous is a thrilling look at the lives of the Mitford sisters(Image: KEVIN BAKER)
Outrageous
Thursday, 9pm, U&Drama
Scandal and ideology explode in Outrageous, a darkly-elegant period drama based on the real-life Mitford sisters. At the centre is Susan (Bessie Carter), a whip-smart journalist whose literary voice clashes with the rising fascism of 1930s Britain.
Meanwhile, her sisters fall under the spell of dangerous men: Diana (Joanna Vanderham) is seduced by Oswald Mosley while Unity (Shannon Watson) becomes shockingly smitten with Adolf Hitler. As the world teeters on war, family bonds are pushed to their limits in this gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal and legacy.
Prost
Thursday, BBC4
Four-time World Champion, winner of 51 Grands Prix and F1 legend Alain Prost looks back on his lifelong career, spanning throughout more than four decades in this enlightening six-part series.
From his childhood passion for karting and the ranks to Formula 3 to his triumphs and losses, this show also delves deep into Alain’s iconic rivalry with teammate Ayrton Senna – who eventually became an unexpected friend.
Phyllis Logan stars as Cora Felton in Murder Most Puzzling
Murder Most Puzzling
Thursday, C5
Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan swaps stately homes for sleuthing in this charming new six-part crime drama. As Cora Felton, a sassy, wine-loving crossword columnist with a sharp tongue and even sharper mind, she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation when a teenage girl is found dead – and a bizarre crossword clue is left by the body.
Teaming up with the reluctant DCI Hooper (Adam Best), Cora becomes the police’s wildcard, solving puzzles and crossing lines in equal measure. Think Miss Marple and Ludwig – but with extra sass.
Corsica: Jewel of the Med
Friday, 5
With 600 miles of stunning coastline, Corsica is known as the island of beauty. Now, for 5, this show delves deep into the nation’s lush green forests and majestic mountains and its rich history blending both Italian and French heritage.
The journey takes viewers from Bastia, a foodie paradise on the northeast coast of the island, to its capital, Ajaccio, among the west coast’s thriving hillsides – the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous military leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Isle of Wight Festival
Friday, Sky
The party kicks off at Seaclose Park with an access-all-areas backstage pass to the summer’s hottest ticket, The Isle of Wight festival 2025.
From the incomparable Sting to the legendary Stereophonics, household names take to the main stage – but that’s not all viewers can expect.
From Deal or No Deal to rural New Zealand, Noel Edmonds has made the ultimate career pivot – and now, he’s inviting viewers along for the ride.
Having ditched UK fame for a new life in the remote village of Ngatimoti, Noel’s now embarking on a bold eco-project: creating the country’s first ever energy garden.
But with unrelenting weather, cultural clashes and a community slow to warm up, it’s no easy ride. Can he make his Kiwi dream grow – or will it wilt?
Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew.
Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he’s also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef.
“One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,” says Sam, 32. “I’ll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF’s great work. People were shedding tears – everyone’s in it together. When we realised we’d helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.”
Sam Thompson and Louis Thomlinson have more than just Zara McDermott in common – they will both play for England at Soccer Aid 2025(Image: UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures/REX/Shutterstock)
Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
He told the Mirror it’s “mad” that the Prime Minister said he was “inspiring”. “I can’t believe the prime minister knows my name,” Sam said. “I’m on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot,” Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel.
The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: “I am totally broken – but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”
And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I’ve gotto stop crying! You’re making me so emotional, so many tears man.”
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott dated and talked about marriage before splitting late last year(Image: Instagram)
Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. “You have these special moments, it’s a laugh and you’re watching a game of football and you’re seeing goals,” says the 52-year-old.
Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it’s buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day.
“He’s my type of player,” grins Jill, 38. “Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!”
Taking to Instagram on Friday night, Neville said: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.
“I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.
“I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”
He continued: “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.
“Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.
“I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”
Sky chiefs are furious and are standing with Neville following Forest’s decision, and have totally revised their coverage plans for the final game of the season.
Awoniyi collided with a post late in the draw with Leicester and was later placed in an induced coma.
Forest later addressed the incident in a statement, writing on X: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.
“We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.
“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming.”
