Elis James

Elis James

Cardiff-based Elis James began his comedy career in 2005. A bilingual stand-up who can perform in English or Welsh, he won the 'Best Comedy' prize at the National Student Radio Awards in 2006, and was nominated for best club comic in the 2014 Chortle Awards
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Fantasy Football League cancelled

End of the line for Elis James and Matt Lucas reboot

The revived version of Fantasy Football League has been axed after two series.

Producer Spencer Millman revealed the news on social media, saying he was ‘gutted’ by the news.

Sky brought the show back in 2022 with Elis James and Matt Lucas replacing David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and fellow comic Andrew Mensah in the ‘Statto’ role. 

Made by production company Avalon, the show also brought back the Phoenix From The Flames’ segment where a famous moment from footballing history is recreated.

Millman wrote: ‘Gutted to say that Fantasy Football League won't be returning for another run. 

‘Big thanks to my brilliant production team, crew, writers, spotters, you were an absolute joy to work with. A massive thanks to all the sofa and phoenix guests we had over the 24 shows, we loved having you. 

‘Huge love to Matt, Elis, Mense and of course Lee Trundle [the Swansea City legend who sang on the show] but most importantly thanks to the people who watched it. 

‘I'm eternally grateful you accepted the changes to the original and sorry we won't be making more. Much love and gratitude.’

The first series ran for 16 episodes and featured guest managers’ such as Maisie Adam, Doc Brown, Mo Farah,   Russell Howard, Guz Khan and Jennifer Saunders.

A second eight-part series ran earlier this year with guests including Mo Gilligan, Katherine Ryan, Alex Horne – and Keir Starmer, who spoke about his love of Arsenal.

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Published: 24 Apr 2024

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