ICONIC footy show Soccer AM is set to be cancelled after 30 years on the telly – with just 10 episodes left to air.
With just ten episodes of the Sky Sports cult classic left, Soccer AM is set to end on Saturday 27 May, the day before the end of the Premier League season.
Staff were informed of the bombshell decision on Tuesday and it is safe to say the news did not go down well.
A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell. Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging. It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
Hosts John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard are said to be “fuming” at the announcement.
Follow our Soccer AM live blog for the latest news and updates…
Soccer AM’s most memorable moments
After almost 30 years Soccer AM will bid us farewell in just 10 weeks.
Over the years, hosts including Tim Lovejoy, Helen Chamberlain, Andy Goldstein, Max Rushden and more kept us thoroughly entertained.
While crew members like Tubes and Rocket provided much-needed relief and hilarity.
Here’s a look at some of the best bits we can remember from Soccer AM.
- Tim Lovejoy getting punched
- On the volley!
- Soccerettes
- Tubes
- Guests
- Lee Trundle
- The crossbar challenge
Find out more about each of the memorable moments here.
Soccer AM latest news:
Chris Kamara reacts as Soccer AM set to be axed at the end of the season
Chris Kamara was among those posting fond memories of the show today.
He tweeted: “Just heard that Soccer AM is finishing at the end of the season.
”I had 14 years of going through Premier League and EFL [ English Football League] clubs’ dressing rooms, training with clubs for features and basically having a laugh – fun part of my time at Sky.”
What have Sky Sports said?
Following its decision to axe iconic footy show Soccer AM, Sky Sports highlighted the network’s need to “adapt”.
A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
“We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
More fan reaction to Soccer AM axe
Fans continue to react on social media to the cancellation of iconic footy show Soccer AM.
One wrote: ”End of an era.”
A second said: ”Soccer AM to be axed. A sad day for football.”
Who presents Soccer AM?
Soccer AM is presented by former Wigan Athletic and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard.
He is joined on the presenting team by John ‘Fenners’ Fendley.
The show was first presented by Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlin.
Then in 1996, Helen was joined by Tim Lovejoy, and the two formed a well-loved partnership.
The iconic pairing is the duo that most people associate with the show.
Lovejoy left the show in 2007 after 11 years in the job, while Chamberlin presented Soccer AM up until 2017.
Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success
Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success since it first aired on Sky Sports in 1995.
The 90 minute comedy talk show runs through the week’s footballing events with added skits and challenges for guests and fans.
Celebrity guests each episode include at least one footballer and a combination of musicians, TV personalities and other sportsmen.
Exact date of Soccer AM’s final episode
SOCCER AM will air its final episode on Saturday, 27 May.
The Sun this morning revealed that the cult Sky Sports show will be axed at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on the air.
Bosses have decided to axe the show with ten episodes remaining.
It will finish on the final weekend of the season, and will not extend to the Champions League final.
Soccer AM had some iconic guests
Over the years some of Showbiz’s biggest names sat on the Soccer AM couch.
Famous guests included Hollywood A-listers such as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and bands like Oasis.
Every week bands would also appear on the show including the likes of Kasabian and Franz Ferdinand.
Who has hosted Soccer AM?
Over the years, Soccer AM has had a slew of iconic presenters, from Helen Chamberlain to Max Rushden.
With that in mind, here is a list of all the legendary show’s presenters over the years.
- John Fendley
- Jimmy Bullard.
- Tubes
- Helen Chamberlain
- Tim Lovejoy
- Rocket
- Baby Elvis
- Robbie Knox
- Max Rushden
- Lisa Hebden
Why has Soccer AM been axed?
Staff were told the unfortunate news that the show would be coming to an end and that they would be made redundant in May.
A source told the Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
“Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
“It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
A Sky Spokesperson has said: “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
“We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people.
“We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
Soccer AM hosts ‘fuming’ at axe
Soccer AM is currently hosted by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
Both are understood to be “fuming” at the announcement.
The final episode of the iconic footy show will air on Saturday, 27 May.
Will you miss Soccer AM?
Soccer AM played a central role in British football culture for over 30 years.
But now, the legendary footy show is coming to an end.
Will you miss it?
More fan reaction to Soccer AM axe
Fans continue to react on social media to the cancellation of iconic footy show Soccer AM.
One devastated fan wrote: “One of my favourite TV shows. Always look forward to my Saturday morning coffee and soccer am.
“Terrible decision by sky.”
While a second viewer said: “End of an era (crying emoji)”
Where is Tim Lovejoy now?
Tim Lovejoy joined Soccer AM in 1996 after working on the Big Breakfast show.
He and Helen Chamberlain became a mighty pairing on the Saturday sofa.
But their partnership ended in 2007 when Lovejoy left Soccer AM to create Channel Bee, an internet television channel.
He later went on to present Something for the Weekend, a Sunday morning cooking show on BBC2.
And Lovejoy now fronts Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 alongside co-host Simon Rimmer.
Where is Helen Chamberlain now?
ONE of Soccer AM’s OG presenters from back in the day.
She presented the show every Saturday morning from 1995 for 22 years, leaving in 2017.
Chamberlain has mostly disappeared from TV screens, but was spotted making a rare public appearance with Fallon Sherrock at the darts last July.
She also worked on the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship, interviewing some of the stars.
And she rescues animals on her farm, telling the Athletic in 2020: “I spent nearly half my life sitting on that sofa.
“I was there for nearly 23 years. That’s a long time to have any job, never mind a job in broadcasting.
“I had the farm to see to. I wanted to rescue more dogs and breed sheep and chickens. So I didn’t have time for Saturday mornings anymore.”
What will replace Soccer AM?
After 30 years, Soccer AM is set to be cancelled but what will fill its spot?
The 10.30am Saturday morning slot will now be taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
The football show focuses more on the social media side of the game which hopes to appeal more to younger viewers.
Fans blame ‘social media’ for Soccer AM axe
Fans are saying Soccer AM is to be axed because young people get their footy news and coverage from social media.
One Twitter user wrote: “Not surprising. All the kids get their footy banter from social media apps like Instagram nowadays.
“Sad day if you’re a traditionalist like me.”
When did Soccer AM first air?
Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success since it first aired on Sky Sports in 1995 thanks to its laddish humour.
The 90 minute comedy talk show runs through the week’s footballing events with added skits and challenges for guests and fans.
Celebrity guests each episode include at least one footballer and a combination of musicians, TV personalities and other sportsmen.
It was previously hosted by Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy.
These days it is presented by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
Former host Tim Lovejoy discusses his relationship to Soccer AM
Former Soccer AM presenter, Tim Lovejoy, discussed his relationship with the show with the Atheltic in 2020: “I stopped watching it when I left, it was too hard to watch it.
“I tune in every now and then because Fenners is on it and I want to support him.
“Again, another crap analogy, it’s like watching your old girlfriend with another man.
“I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t watch it. So I stopped watching it totally.
“And then I started tuning in again to watch Fenners, because obviously I worked with him for years and he’s a top bloke.
“It’s too hard for me because I watch it all and I want to join in with it.
“I’d really like to input on the show and put stuff on there and I find it too hard.”
Soccer AM staff said to be ‘fuming’
A source has said the Soccer AM staff have been left in shock after Sky’s decision to axe the show.
A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
“Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
“It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
What have Sky Sports said?
Following its decision to axe iconic footy show Soccer AM, Sky Sports highlighted the network’s need to “adapt”.
A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
“We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
Exact date of Soccer AM’s final episode
SOCCER AM will air its final episode on Saturday, 27 May.
The Sun this morning revealed that the cult Sky Sports show will be axed at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on the air.
Bosses have decided to axe the show with ten episodes remaining.
It will finish on the final weekend of the season, and will not extend to the Champions League final.
Who presents Soccer AM?
Soccer AM is presented by former Wigan Athletic and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard.
He is joined on the presenting team by John ‘Fenners’ Fendley.
The show was first presented by Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlin.
Then in 1996, Helen was joined by Tim Lovejoy, and the two formed a well-loved partnership.
The iconic pairing is the duo that most people associate with the show.
Lovejoy left the show in 2007 after 11 years in the job, while Chamberlin presented Soccer AM up until 2017.
Why has Soccer AM been axed?
Staff were told the unfortunate news that the show would be coming to an end and that they would be made redundant in May.
A source told the Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
“Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
“It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
A Sky Spokesperson has said: “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
“We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people.
“We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk