Matt Lucas and Elis James tell Chris Evans about the return of Fantasy Football League

Virgin Radio

29 Sep 2022, 10:37

Matt Lucas and Elis James joined The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky to talk about presenting Fantasy Football League, which returns tonight at 10pm on Sky Max.

It’s been 18 years since the original Fantasy Football League series, which was hosted by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner. Remembering the show from back in the day, writer and comedian Elis said: “I was about 14 when it started, comedy obsessed, football obsessed, and it was like God had written my perfect show. I used to tape it off the telly. It meant a huge amount to me. I was a massive fan of David Baddiel and Frank Skinner.” 

He continued: “The thing I really loved about it, and I went back and watched a few of the old episodes, is it was lovely to see football fans, but who aren’t ex-players and pundits and journalists, talking about the game in a way that I could relate to. So, I think that was part of the original charm of the show.”

Comedian, actor and presenter Matt said: “I always loved the show, and I used to use my connections, because I was on Shooting Stars, my BBC connections, to wangle tickets to go and watch it being recorded.

“There was something very candid and honest about David and Frank on the show. They were just themselves.”

Speaking more about Baddiel and Skinner, Arsenal fan Matt told Chris: “We got lovely letters from them last night, just before the recording, which melted our hearts, didn’t it?"

Swansea supporter Elis said: “I was really touched by that, because they’ve been supportive on social media, but they sent us a letter each.”

Six episodes of the rebooted footy show will air before the World Cup, with eight more episodes being shown after. After expressing their excitement about getting the presenting gig, the duo explained what we can expect. “We have the same theme tune. The opening credits are a nod to what Frank and David did. The set is the same. We have Phoenix from the Flames, where we recreate a famous moment from football history. It is Fantasy Football League. That’s what it is. We’re not trying to change it,” Matt confirmed.

He also said: “Most coverage is like the programme when you go to football, but Fantasy Football League is like the fanzine.”

On what topics are covered in tonight’s first episode, the former Shooting Stars legend said they will look at Gareth Southgate and England, “Nottingham Forest, who can’t stop signing players” and how “both Romelu Lukaku and Son from Spurs have just signed deals with Calvin Klein." 

Each week, a pair of celebrity guest managers will chat about the week in football and share their fantasy teams from the digital dugout. They include Succession’s Brian Cox, Jennifer Saunders, Tom Grennan, Roman Kemp, Sir Trevor McDonald, and Sir Mo Farah and many more. 

There will also be another presenter on the show, as Matt explained. “In the original shows, Frank and David would throw to this brilliant guy called Statto, who would stand in the kitchen are. So, we wanted somebody to be a third host, and we have a brilliant comedian called Andrew Mensah, who has not even been doing it that long but he’s already Ricky Gervais’ support act,” he said, adding: “He’s fantastic, he’s younger than us, and he’s from South London, and his cousin is Eze, who plays for Crystal Palace. 

“As far as he’s concerned, football began about ten years ago!”

Elis added: “He thinks we’re two old men. I occasionally say, ‘Well, obviously Neville Southall was the best goalkeeper in the world at one point,’ and he’ll go, ‘Who’s Neville Southall?’" 

Speaking more about the original Statto, the Welsh presenter said: “It’s extraordinary making a man broadcast in a dressing gown!”

Matt joked: “Well, I used to have to do it in a romper suit, so he has my sympathies.” 

Ellis went on to comment: "It’s exciting as well, having to watch games at the weekend and say, ‘I’m doing this for work.’" 

Bake Off presenter Matt added: "I’m the luckiest man in the world because my year at the moment - assuming these shows continue and they still want me on them - my year is being paid to eat cake and watch football!"

Fantasy Football League starts tonight, 29th September, at 10pm on Sky Max and NOW.

For more great interviews listen to  The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky, weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or  catch up on-demand here.