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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Why is Jason Manford playing for World XI in Soccer Aid 2020?

He's known for getting a laugh or two but will Jason Manford be taken seriously on the pitch?

The comedian is set to join the Soccer Aid 2020 line-up when the charity football match takes place on Sunday.

We last saw Jason being unveiled as the hedgehog on bonkers ITV singing competition The Masked Singer, in which he finished in second place to winner Nicola Roberts.

The Salford star has had a long and varied career from stand-up comedy to TV roles and now musicals.

Viewers may have last saw Jason disguised as a hedgehog on The Masked Singer (ITV)

Jason, 39, was due to tour with musical mystery comedy Curtains before the coronavirus pandemic.

But due to many of his work commitments being put on the back burner, he spent time helping out as a driver as well as home schooling six children.

And when his Tesco job application got rejected, he got offered a role at Iceland and headed to help out the supermarket with some of their deliveries.

Back to Soccer Aid though, viewers may be confused that Jason, who was born and grew up in Greater Manchester, is lining up for the World XI side.

This may be because of his Irish roots as Jason's grandmother was born in Dublin and moved to Manchester in the 1950's with his grandfather.

The charity match raises money for Unicef, which helps to support the organisations vital work protecting children in the UK and globally.

This year the charity will also recognised the impact coronavirus is having around the world.

As a result, this year, every £1 donated is automatically trebled thanks to the UK Government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

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