When Wales play their opening World Cup game in Qatar later this month, few supporters will be cheering on the national team as fervently as Siân Doyle, the Chief Executive of S4C. She needs no reminding of the campaign’s significance to the Welsh-language channel, which, in a happy coincidence, celebrated its 40th anniversary on 1 November.
First Russia in 2018 and now Qatar: the World Cup appears to be on a tour of the world’s least savoury destinations. There has been widespread condemnation of the exploitation and deaths of migrant construction workers – thought to number several thousand – in building new stadiums for the tournament and other major projects, and of Qatar’s criminalisation of same-sex sexual activity and severe restrictions on women’s rights.
In recent years, few, if any, leaders in the UK have made such an impact as Gareth Southgate, the first manager of the England men’s football team to reach the final of an international competition since 1966.
Introducing him at Cambridge, Clare Balding described Southgate as one of the great leaders, not just in sports but in any field, including business, politics and science: “He leads with dignity, empathy and with patience – qualities that aren’t often associated with men’s football.” The strength of applause that greeted his appearance on the Convention stage said it all.
The film tells the unlikely life story of Charlton, who, after winning the World Cup for England as a player, went on to become an Irish hero after leading their national team to their first World Cup as a manager.
Such successes are told against the background of the final year of his life stricken with dementia.
Charlton’s family, including his wife Pat and son John, are among the contributors.
It was late March when BBC Newsgathering offered me a lifetime opportunity – to report from Russia during the World Cup. My response? Heck, yes! It was a no-brainer.
Only hours after the initial buzz faded and I had spoken with mates did concerns arise.
Would I experience racial abuse in Russia? Would I be able to hack the cultural and language barriers while consistently providing quality reports? I knew without a doubt that this would be a step up from the domestic reporting that I was used to.
The History of Football will be broadcast on May 28 to June 10 and will capture the anticipation of the World Cup in the build up to this year’s event in Russia.
The series will include a slate of original, globally-focused premium documentary series, and short form specials.
Claudia Winkelman returns to present British fashion's answer to The Bake Off. In the first episode of a new series, 10 hopeful contestants must create a top from four pieces, alter a maternity dress in 90 minutes, and fit a skirt for a real model.
From New Zealand beating Australia in the final to Japan's defining win against South Africa, the Rugby World Cup 2015 has been recorded as the second most-watched rugby tournament after England got through to the final in 2007.
A record number of television audiences tuned in to watch the games.
ITV told the RTS: "Overall the tournament reached 32 million viewers which is 55% of the UK population."
