JIMMY’S SADNESS

Scoffing curries, playing against Frenchmen in the buff... that’s how these former legends got back into shape on their European tour

Making Channel 4’s Spring At Jimmy’s Farm has been more emotional than ever for its host. ‘Life and death is happening on farms up and down the country,’ explains Jimmy Doherty. ‘It’s been heart-rending seeing a colleague losing an animal they’ve grown close to and not being able to give them a hug because of social distancing.’

nImelda Staunton says it’ll be easier playing the Queen in The Crown once she’s banished images of Claire Foy and Olivia Colman from her mind! ‘They were both fabulous in the role but I’m trying not to be affected by their portrayals,’ explains Imelda (pictured), who is keen to start filming her part in the Netflix series as soon as possible.

nn Fiona Shaw’s wardrobe now includes an Armani jumpsuit remarkably similar to the one she wore in series two of

Killing Eve. Fiona (pictured), who plays MI6’S Carolyn

Martens, says, ‘I liked the item so much when I wore it in series two that I went out and bought an exact replica. I think it’s gorgeous.’

It took a staggering nine hours for Sheila Hancock to complete a voiceover for Great Canal Journeys. ‘I had to do it at my house because of the coronavirus, with the sound engineer in a car on the street,’ says Sheila (pictured). She and Gyles Brandreth take over the show from Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

nWith football suspended, what better time for ITV to kick off its new series of Harry’s Heroes. The hit show follows a team of ex-england stars – led by manager Harry Redknapp – as they try to get back in shape on a tour of Europe. The footballers include David Seaman, Paul Merson and Ray Parlour – and Harry has his work cut out with some of them.

‘They were great footballers and want to play well,’ he says. ‘But it’s whether the legs are willing.’

And the spirit too – within hours of arriving at their first training destination, a picturesque French village, notorious bon viveur Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has persuaded his teammates to go for a curry instead of eating a nutritious, carefully prepared meal in their self-catering hotel. ‘What did the gaffer say about detoxing?’ a despairing assistant manager John Barnes says as they rush out.

It certainly didn’t bode well for the players as they readied themselves – or tried to – for tough matches with opponents in France and Italy, in preparation for the ultimate showdown with a team of German international legends.

Still, it makes for fun television, with some fond reminiscing about life in their playing days. ‘There were a lot of pranks,’ laughs former England goalkeeper David Seaman. ‘You had to make sure your shorts were tight otherwise