Red carpet out for football heroes
DOZENS of stars graced the red carpet for last night’s official premiere of a much-anticipated film about Wales’ incredible journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in London.
Don’t Take Me Home – named after the signature song of Wales’ indomitable army of football fans, the Red Wall – will be released in cinemas across the UK on March 3, with special preview screenings across Wales to mark St David’s Day tomorrow.
The official premiere took place at the Vue West End in London last night, with members of the Welsh squad and their partners in attendance.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and his wife Colleen turned out for the bash, along with defender James Collins and his wife Samantha.
Ben Davies and Jonny Williams were also suited and booted for the event – along with captain Ashley Williams, who attended the premiere with wife Vanessa.
Manager Chris Coleman was joined by his wife Charlotte, while Joe Ledley’s heavily pregnant wife Ruby May dazzled on the red carpet in a floral print dress.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was another guest, along with TV presenter Adrian Chiles and star of BBC One’s new drama The Replacement, actress Vicky McClure – partner of director Jonny Owen.
The film tells the story of a remarkable few weeks in France as Wales shook the footballing world.
As history unfolds on screen the film focuses on the players, manager and supporters who played their part in creating the greatest moments in Welsh football.
Set against the music of 1960s French rock star Jacques Dutronc’s Le Responsable, it starts with the disappointments in Wales’ footballing past.
For almost 60 years, Wales had tried and failed to qualify for a major football tournament. Having gone through the grief of previous manager Gary Speed’s tragic death, heavy defeats, and positioned as a tiny country team with no pedigree, all bets were off for how the underdogs would perform.
But, led by superstar Gareth Bale, the team quickly became the outside favourites, dazzling millions of football fans throughout the world.
For those long-suffering Welsh football fans who witnessed it, it was the greatest story ever told.
The soundtrack includes music by Richard Hawley, The Small Faces, Super Furry Animals and Mogwai.
Merthyr-born film-maker Owen, also recently produced I Believe In Miracles – the award-winning story of the Nottingham Forest European Cup-winning side of the late 1970s.