England's Jill Scott joins Sky's A League of Their Own

Jill Scott became a fan favourite when she appeared in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

England legend Jill Scott will become a regular fixture on television screens after being named as a team captain on A League of Their Own.

She was announced as the new face of the Sky show in a big reveal at the Angel of the North as a 4.5 metre statue was unveiled in her honour. 

The reigning Queen of the Jungle will line up alongside regulars Jamie Redknapp, Romesh Ranganathan and Micah Richards for the Sky show as she embarks on a television career. 

The 36-year-old from Sunderland certified herself as a national hero last year by helping England to Euro 22 glory.  

The statue was revealed by the iconic Antony Gormley structure. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Scott’s family was in attendance for the statue surprise alongside the Mayor of Gateshead and players from Gateshead and Bolden Girls football clubs. 

Scott won 161 caps for England during her distinguished footballing career, representing Sunderland, Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa. 

She saw a huge transformation in the women's game during her 18-year professional career and has seen first-hand how the growth of the sport, particularly after the Euros, has changed lives.

Speaking to ITV Tyne Tees, Scott said: "Young girls are wanting to play football and now feeling like they can play football. People recognise now that football is for everyone.

"It has also changed lives on the other side of the pyramid. You have a lot of women whose opportunities were cut away from them because football wasn't where it was supposed to be for them.

"Now they have gone back and joined local teams. I have spoken to so many women who have said their mental health has improved a lot and that is one of the biggest things.

"Sport just helps so much with mental health, getting outside, learning how to win and lose and, especially for young kids, making those important friendships."

Scott retired from football shortly after winning the Euros, going on to become a pundit and win I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here before becoming the first female player ever to captain England in Soccer Aid last month.

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