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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mathew Davies

Who is Tom Grennan? Soccer Aid half-time performer who apologised for inappropriate Ellie Goulding joke

Soccer Aid is back for another match tonight which will pit celebrities and former footballers against each other for charity.

Millions has been raised for UNICEF over the years by the exhibition game, which sees an England XI face off against a World XI at Old Trafford this evening.

There will be plenty of faces familiar to the Soccer Aid audience back again for this weekend's game, with celebrities including Usain Bolt, Paddy McGuinness and Chunkz all taking part several times before, along with returning legends Paul Scholes, Roberto Carlos and others.

Musician Tom Grennan has been named in the England squad, which will be managed by rapper Stormzy.

Bedford songwriter Grennan will also provide the half-time entertainment in Manchester. The United fan will sing his hit ballad "Here"

"As a big supporter of Soccer Aid for Unicef and Manchester United fan, this will be a dream come true moment for me – and I hope an equally special moment for everyone in the stadium and those watching at home," he said. "I have been fortunate to play some incredible gigs in my time – but this will be extra special.".

Grennan, who was a promising footballer in his youth and had trials for Luton Town, was named player of the match in last season's fixture and he becomes the first artist to play and perform at the match.

The "Little Bit of Love" singer is a Brit Award nominee and released debut album 'Lighting Matches' in 2018. He was signed to a deal after a gig in a Finsbury pub.

"That’s where my label first saw me play and where I first met the guy who signed me," he said in 2017.

"I think they heard that there was this guy going around with his guitar who had an alright voice. They said: 'We’d like to work with you', and I was like, 'Wicked.’ They were really nice."

He has since gone on to collaborate with the likes of Chase & Status, Ella Henderson, Calvin Harris and KSI.

Earlier this year he courted controversy when he made an "inappropriate" comment about Ellie Goulding's breasts on stage at the Brit Awards.

The pair appeared together to present an award at the February ceremony. Goulding’s dress featured a black metallic breastplate, with Grennan asking her: “They’re your real boobs?” to which she responded: “These are not mine. I wish. Mine are a lot further apart, sadly.”

Goulding later tweeted there had been "no offence taken, no harm intended" to which he followed up with an apology.

"Love ya @elliegoulding," he wrote.

“What started as a joke between Ellie and I before we went on stage came out all wrong. The nerves got the better of us, but that does not excuse what was said, and I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended – that’s not me at all, and I am sorry.”

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