Stars return for The Match

12:24 08 September 2005

Trials are being organised for the TV stars who have applied in their droves to play in the second instalment of The Match - the hugely popular football match screened on Sky One pitting former professionals against celebrities.

The footy-cum-reality TV show will place the chosen squad of 20 under a week's management of ex-England manager, Graham "The Turnip" Taylor, before they face a team of ex-professionals in a competitive 90-minute finale.

Among the 42 hopefuls who will be trying out for the show this weekend are X Factor winner Steve Brookstein, former Hollyoaks star Will Mellor, Pheonix Nights star Patrick McGuinness and Red Dwarf's Rimmer, Chris Barrie.

A Sky told the Sun said: "Last year nobody knew what The Match was so it wasn't as easy to get people involved.

"But it was such a success that we have people queuing around the block."

Something that sets this reality celeb vehicle apart from the rest of the field is that most of the stars are entering because of their love of football, not because they want to raise their profile.

Five players from the last series automatically win a place this time around, which means that GMTV star Ben Shephard, Jonathan "I'm mates with Robbie" Wilkes, So Solid member Harvey, ex-cricketer Alec Stewart and sprinter Darren Campbell are already assured of playing.

The big match will take place on October 9th at St James' Park.