BBC Cymru Wales will be kicking off the footballing festivities this winter with a whole host of content across its platforms.
As Wales prepare for their first World Cup in 64 years, Welsh football fans will be treated to a variety of new television series in the build-up to, and during, the World Cup.
Highlights on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer include Together Stronger, a new landmark series from director and football pundit Jonny Owen charting the rise of the Wales team; a late night entertainment programme to get the party started presented by former Wales international Robbie Savage, broadcaster Polly James and Jonny Owen; plus three new episodes of Legends of Welsh Sport devoted to a trio of Wales’ footballing icons.
Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Cymru Wales says: “Wales has waited a long time for the opportunity to compete on this global stage – and what a feast of entertainment awaits as we tread the road to Qatar. It’s going to be a memorable occasion for so many reasons and BBC Cymru Wales will be there every step of the way.
“We’ve got a fantastic line-up of programmes; from documentaries about some of Wales’ great footballing heroes to feel-good shows to get fans in the mood on the eve of every match.
“It doesn’t come much bigger than the World Cup. We’re ready. Are you?”
New programme and series coming soon include:
Together Stronger – November 2, 9 and 16, BBC One Wales, 8pm
A landmark series charting the tumultuous and transformational 18-year period that took Wales from the depths of despair to their first World Cup in 64 years. When Toshack took over as Wales manager in 2004, he made the crucial decision to start again with ‘the kids’ – a talented pool of teenagers and new caps. 18 years and four managers later, four of those – Bale, Ramsey, Allen and Hennessey – have propelled Wales from 117th in the world to a dream place at Qatar 2022, their first World Cup in 64 years. The series tells the inside stories from that journey with unprecedented access to the squad and the team behind the scenes.
Late Night Football Club – Ahead of every Wales game
A late-night entertainment and music series fused together with football and presented by former Wales international Robbie Savage and broadcaster Polly James, along with film producer and football fanatic Jonny Owen. A fun and cheeky programme to get the party started each episode will be recorded in front of an audience of football fans, based in the very heart of Welsh football, Wrexham. Each episode will line up star guests to talk about all things football and will be packed with segments and challenges.
Legends of Welsh Sport: Neville Southall – Number One – November 7, BBC One Wales, 8.30pm
This is the story of a football icon like no other, the story of a binman, who became a legend, Neville Southall.
One of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, his unusual – and late – journey to the very top of the professional game shaped everything about the unorthodox character he is today.
Legends of Welsh Sport: Toshack – El Conquistador – October 31, BBC One Wales, 8.30pm
A nostalgic film celebrating the remarkable career of Welsh football legend John Toshack.
Including insights from family, close friends, players and coaches, it charts some of Tosh’s greatest achievements from a decade at the top as a player, to unprecedented success as a manager with Wales, Swansea and Real Madrid.
Legends of Welsh Sport: Rob Page – History Maker – November 14, BBC One Wales, 8.30pm
This is the remarkable story of the boy from Tylorstown who would change the fortunes of Welsh football forever.
Rhondda boy Robert Page will be the first Wales manager to qualify for a World Cup since 1958 but little is known about the quiet stand-in manager who ‘”fluked” his way to the top job. His success with Wales has catapulted him to the biggest stage in world sport although he still remains a proud and humble product of the Valleys.
Match of the Day Wales: Road to Doha – November 17, BBC One Wales, 7pm
Join the Match of the Day Wales team for a very special preview programme as they kick off the build up to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Wales made history by qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958 – find out everything you need to know as Wales prepare for the biggest sporting event of the year.
