Freddie Flintoff is ditching the cricket pitch for the boxing ring in dramatic for Sky 1 HD. The cricketer, who was forced to retire through injury at the age of 33, is about to take on his toughest challenge yet in LORD'S TO THE RING… This 3 x 60 series is co-produced by Fulwell 73 and Merlin Elite and is set to air later this year.

No professional sportsman has ever gone from one mainstream sport to become a professional boxer and Freddie risks putting his reputation on the line to compete in the challenge of a lifetime – culminating in a live professional boxing fight at the Manchester Arena in front of thousands of fans. With boxing legend Barry McGuigan leading Freddie’s training regime, this could be his last chance to step back into the professional sporting arena.

Barry is convinced Freddie has what it takes to be a decent heavyweight – right age, agility and his right punch is ‘devastating.’ He and his boxing trainer son, Shane, agree to train him for one professional heavyweight boxing match – against a credible pro boxer opponent. The four month battle to turn a retired cricketer into a lean, mean, fighting machine starts here.

Two hour long episodes will follow Freddie as he endeavours to get in the best shape of his life with the help of family, friends and a hugely intensive regime – the pie & mash is replaced with juice and vegetables and alcohol is strictly off limits. Cameras will also follow the Flintoff family, wife Rachael and their three kids, as they come to terms with their new look husband and father and realise the enormity of the task Freddie has taken on.

The fight itself will be broadcast on BoxNation with a further hour long follow up episode airing a few weeks later on Sky 1. This episode will consist of a retrospective look back on the whole experience including the immediate post fight reaction, an exclusive compilation of previously unseen footage and ask the question of Freddie, “What’s Next?”

Celia Taylor, Head of Factual Features for Sky commented: “Freddie’s always been a boxing fan but this is a whole different ball game.  Sky customers are in for a rollercoaster ride – there will be major ups, dramatic downs, bloody noses and very real tears. Having worked with Freddie over the last five series of A League of Their Own, Sky 1 is delighted to continue the working relationship."

Freddie Flintoff commented: “This is an amazing opportunity to try a sport that I love, to be tutored by a man I respect and admire and, at the age of 34, the chance to be a professional sportsman again. It’s a huge challenge - probably the biggest I have ever undertaken, especially in such a short timeframe. I have a long road ahead and a lot of work in front of me. The stakes are high.”

Barry McGuigan, Freddie’s trainer said: “It is an enormous undertaking to have a professional fight having no experience whatsoever. It is even more demanding when you’re a legend in another sport. The pressure for Freddie, myself and my son is phenomenal given the little time we have. But I’m convinced Freddie will make a successful pro debut as a boxer.”

Richard Thompson, Chairman of Merlin Elite commented: “To collaborate with talent in this way, ensuring they are partners in their own work is very exciting for us and more fulfilling for the talent. With Freddie and Barry both being Merlin clients, this is a great synergy and use of their skills to build something unique.We have no doubt how much interest this journey will create.The risks Freddie is taking; along with the commitment to be ready to fight a professional bout is extraordinary.With Barry he could not be in better hands.This will be a highly captivating and unique piece of television, as well as a live event.”

Gabe Turner, Partner of Fulwell 73 Ltd said: “This is such an exciting project for us to produce, combining all the classic elements that make for original and dynamic programming; an individual testing himself both mentally and physically, a journey into the unknown and an explosive and dynamic conclusion. We at Fulwell cannot wait to go on another journey with Freddie and deliver a piece of what we believe will be classic entertainment for Sky 1.”

The Executive Producer of LORD'S TO THE RING is Gabe Turner, the Series Producer is Ben Turner and the series will be produced, directed and filmed by Paul ‘Mungo’ Mungeam.

By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels. This commitment follows the success of home-grown content such as entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE, AN IDIOT ABROAD and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and STELLA, and factual shows such as ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.

Following the addition of Sky 1 HD to Sky Go, customers will also be able to watch all upcoming home-grown comedies on the move on iPad, selected smartphones and laptops at no extra cost.

For further information please contact

Lesley Land - Sky 1 HD PR Manager, Sky
T:
E: Lesley.Land@bskyb.com

Notes to editor

About Sky

Sky entertains and excites more than 10.4 million homes through the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Living pushes ahead with fresh and innovative entertainment formats; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Atlantic is the home to HBO and other iconic drama and comedy, Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; Sky News remains a pioneer in television news; and Sky Movies is leading the way in High Definition and on-demand.

Sky also works with dozens of other broadcasters on the satellite platform, as well as online and on mobile through the ground-breaking Sky Go service.  Sky has also led the UK into the age of high definition television, launched Europe's first 3DTV channel, Sky 3D, and offers customer even more flexibility and choice through Sky Anytime+, its internet-delivered video on demand service. Since launching Sky Broadband and Sky Talk in 2006, the company has also been the UK's fastest-growing home communications provider.

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates, not least by increasing participation in, and access to, the arts, supporting grassroots sports, and taking positive action on the environment.

About Sky 1 HD:

Sky 1 HD is the most watched non-terrestrial channel in Sky homes, attracting more than 20m unique viewers every month and, according to the latest tracker results (October – December, 2011), was the third highest valued channel amongst all Sky subscribers behind only BBC1 and ITV1.

Sky 1 HD distinguishes itself from rival networks with original drama and comedy, talked about entertainment formats, distinctive factual programming and award-winning exclusive US drama.