Channel 4 to Broadcast Colourised 1966 World Cup Final in Support of Dementia Awareness
A special colourised broadcast of England’s historic 1966 FIFA World Cup Final victory will be shown on Channel 4 this June, combining one of the nation’s most cherished sporting moments with an important campaign to raise awareness of dementia and support those affected by the condition.
Marking 60 years since England’s famous 4-2 triumph over West Germany at Wembley Stadium, the programme will present the entire match in colour, allowing viewers to experience the iconic final in a new way while highlighting the work of Alzheimer’s Society.
Broadcast in partnership with SunLife, the special event will feature contributions from Alzheimer’s Society ambassadors, including comedian David Baddiel and Sir Geoff Hurst, the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. Sir Geoff reflects on England’s historic achievement and pays tribute to former teammates who later developed dementia.
The programme also includes contributions from current and former England internationals and explores the continuing impact dementia has on individuals, families and communities.
One of the most moving moments of the broadcast sees Sir Geoff reunited with Adron O’Connor, who attended the 1966 World Cup Final and served as a mascot during an England international at Wembley last year. While Adron still treasures his match ticket, programme and other memorabilia from the day, he is no longer able to remember attending the match because of dementia.
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as an opportunity for audiences to relive a landmark sporting occasion while supporting an important cause.
She said: “We are so grateful to be part of this collaboration, which will allow people to experience the historic 1966 World Cup Final in full colour, while also raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
“It’s heart-breaking that many former players – and indeed fans – of the legendary 1966 World Cup team have been affected by dementia. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why we must keep raising awareness and the funds needed to support people living with this devastating condition today while also working towards a better future.”
The six-goal thriller, complete with extra time, the famous controversial goal, pitch invasions at the final whistle and Queen Elizabeth II presenting captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy, will be shown in full. Throughout the broadcast, viewers will be encouraged to donate to Alzheimer’s Society, with 100 per cent of donations going directly to the charity.
Joe Blake-Turner, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Sport, said the programme offers a timely opportunity to revisit England’s only World Cup victory while supporting an important charitable cause.
He said: “As we approach a World Cup summer, there’s no better time to relive England’s one and only victory with this special broadcast that will also raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
“It’s a privilege to feature some of the charity’s ambassadors, Sir Geoff Hurst and David Baddiel, for such an important cause.”
The programme’s producer and director, Anton Sensky of Whisper, described the project as a deeply personal one. As the primary carer for his mother, who lives with dementia, he said the production had been both emotional and rewarding.
“This was a deeply personal mission,” he said. “As primary carer for my mother, it was both emotional and cathartic to share this journey with David Baddiel, Sir Geoff Hurst and the Alzheimer’s Society. At Whisper, we tell stories that truly matter, and it was a privilege to partner with Channel 4 on such an important and historic project.”
The broadcast offers a unique opportunity for care home residents, many of whom may remember England’s famous victory, to revisit a defining moment in British sporting history while supporting greater awareness of dementia and the vital work carried out by Alzheimer’s Society.
The 1966 FIFA World Cup Final In Colour will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 4.45pm on Saturday, 6 June.
