Western Daily Press

Shame of the beautiful game

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THIS powerful feature-length single drama tells the harrowing story of Andy Woodward.

November 2016, the former profession­al footballer found the strength to go public about sexual abuse by his youth coach, Barry Bennell.

His revelation­s sent shockwaves throughout the industry and across the globe, plunging British football into crisis.

Hundreds more men, many also victims of Bennell, found the courage to speak up about their experience­s of abuse, lifting the lid on a national scandal.

The factual drama begins with police approachin­g Andy (played by Gerard Kearns) about Bennell (Jonas Arm

Moira wishes Noah wasn’t in the house and can’t understand why Cain won’t kick him out after everything he’s done.

Noah complains to Cain that his mum dobbed him in to the police.

Gabby realises she was mistaken that the watch and the babygrow were thanks to Jamie, but she still wants to prove that he is skulking strong), who is soon to be released from a spell in prison, but a scared Andy says it’s “nothing to do with me”.

Flashing back, we see a young Andy (Max Fletcher), a boy with a passion for the game and thrilled to be taken under Bennell’s wing and signed to his youth academy.

Bennell tells his new cohort of lads: “Trust in me. If you work with me and you relish this around. She can’t settle thinking that he’s out there, even if no one believes her. Faith apologises to Dan, both pictured, for last week’s incident. great opportunit­y, then there is absolutely no reason why I can’t make your profession­al football dreams come true.”

Before long Bennell is stripping naked in the boys’ changing room, then invites them over for a sleepover.

Morven Christie and Steve Edge play Andy’s mum and dad, Jean and Terry, who also believe Bennell is looking out for their son.

The film makes for uncomforta­ble viewing as it examines the power and control held by Bennell and Andy’s journey through the ordeal.

EMMERDALE

ITV, 7.30pm

FLOODLIGHT­S

BBC2, 9pm

blames her for Jean being in hospital.

Sonia gives Janine a reality check about her priorities, above, but, feeling threatened by Linda, Janine comes up with a plan.

Finding Linda at a restaurant and wanting to get rid of her forever, she offers her £25,000 to leave Walford for good.

 ?? ?? Gerard Kearns as victim Andy Woodward, who was brave enough to speak out
Andy Woodward who blew the whistle on his abuser
Jonas Armstrong as Barry Bennell, the twisted football coach who preyed on the boys in his care
Gerard Kearns as victim Andy Woodward, who was brave enough to speak out Andy Woodward who blew the whistle on his abuser Jonas Armstrong as Barry Bennell, the twisted football coach who preyed on the boys in his care
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