Martin Lewis was forced to apologise after he “interrupted” ITV’s Soccer Aid. Hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 aired on Sunday evening (June 9).
During coverage of the star-studded event, money saving expert Martin had no choice but to take over as he issued an “important” message with viewers.
He began: “Hello to everyone watching Soccer Aid. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have some important information.” The 52-year-old revealed that every year, charities across the UK miss out on hundreds of millions pounds in unclaimed Gift Aid.
Urging the public to donate to UNICEF this evening, Martin begged them to “say yes to Gift Aid”. Explaining how the process works, he said: “When most people are paid, 20 per cent of tax is usually taken off.”
The broadcaster added: “But Gift Aid means donate to charity and the charity gets your money and that tax back. Say yes to Gift Aid tonight and donate £20 to UNICEF and it becomes £25 – an extra fiver at no cost at all to you.”
Martin went on: “And there’s more. If you’re a higher 40 per cent rate tax payer, UNICEF still gets the 25 per cent boost, but you can claim some further tax back which you could then donate too.”
The Good Morning Britain star ended his segment by once again urging viewers to say yes to Gift Aid. The charity football match took place at Chelsea’s football ground, Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard joins Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams as England manager. They will be going up against Mauricio Pochettino, returning as manager for Soccer Aid World XI.
The celebrities taking part include cricketer Stuart Broad, I’m A Celebrity star Sam Thompson, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Bobby Brazier and ex-EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.
Lacing up their boots for the World XI team will be Roman Kemp, Usain Bolt, Martin Compston and Lee Mack. Meanwhile ITV and TalkSport commentator Sam Matterface is returning as commentator alongside Love Island narrator Iain Stirling.
Since kickstarting in 2006, the event has raised a staggering £90 million for the charity, helping those in need in countries such as Cambodia. England have only won five times over the last 18 years, with their most recent triumph coming in 2018.