Fantasy Football League: When does the football comedy show start on Sky Max? Who are the new presenters? All you need to know

The classic ‘90s football comedy series, Fantasy Football League, is returning after an 18-year break with new presenters and a new home.

Airing on Sky Max with NOW, the show will bring back the mix of football fanaticism, celebrity guests and sketches over 16 episodes this autumn.

The original series, which ran from 1994 to 2004, was hosted by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, and had guests such as John Lydon, Roy Hattersley, Noel Gallagher, Peter Cook and Brigitte Nielsen. In 1996 it also spawned the No.1 single and England football anthem Three Lions.

The 2022 series will have new hosts and new guest managers, but we will see the return of classic features including Phoenix from the Flames, where iconic football moments are recreated by the original participants. 

Here is everything you need to know about the new series of Fantasy Football League…

When does Fantasy Football League start?

Stream Fantasy Football League on Sky Max with NOW from Thursday, 29 September.

The new series will have 16 episodes across the autumn.

Fantasy Football League trailer

Who are the Fantasy Football League presenters?

Replacing Skinner and Baddiel are Matt Lucas and Elis James.

Matt Lucas is best known for his work on Little Britain, The Great British Bake Off and Shooting Stars. He’s a fan of Arsenal.

Elis James is a comedian and radio presenter, best known for his Radio X show with fellow comic John Robins and his BBC 5 Live show. James is a Swansea City supporter.

“I loved watching Fantasy Football League with Frank, David and Statto and am chuffed to bits to be a part of this new incarnation,” said Matt Lucas.

“I now make a living eating cake and watching football. I must be the luckiest man in the world. I also get to share the sofa with Elis, who is not only hilarious but the biggest football geek I’ve ever met. See you next season.”

Elis James added: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be bringing back Fantasy Football League, although Matt’s Arsenal obsession means writing meetings are often derailed by long, wistful chats about Ray Parlour.

“To be presenting a show I used to tape off the telly is a dream come true. The ambition is to make a show that’s as loved as the original, and fill it with references to Swansea City without making it unwatchable.”

The duo will be joined by stand-up comic and presenter of BT Sport series What I Wore, Andrew Mensah, who will oversee the celebrity fantasy league and share weekly comedy highlights from the world of football.

Who are the Fantasy Football League guest managers?

The lineup of celebrity guest managers taking part in the series has been revealed.

Sharing their fantasy teams in the digital dugout are:

• Succession’s Brian Cox
• Jennifer Saunders
• Tom Grennan
• Roman Kemp
• Sir Trevor McDonald
• AJ Tracey
• Sam Quek
• Sir Mo Farah
• Guz Khan
• Russell Howard
• Chris McCausland
• Doc Brown
• Gabby Logan
• Maisie Adam
• Rachel Riley
• Jaime Winstone
• Sally Lindsay
• Lady Leshurr

Viewers can join in and compete against the celebrity managers on the official Fantasy Premier League app – find out more information on the Fantasy Football League website.

Stream Fantasy Football League on Sky Max with NOW from 29 September