Lionesses legend Jill Scott has had a statue of herself unveiled in the North East during a ceremony at the Angel of the North this morning (July 4).
The regional icon, who won ITV’s I’m a Celebrity after she retired from football after winning the 2022 European Championships, was surprised to see a 4.5m statue of herself posing with her arms out as it was part of an announcement that she will be a captain on Sky’s popular A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) show.
She told the PA News Agency: “I’m standing here and it’s just such a surreal moment, to think I’ve actually got my own statue.
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“And I think she looks pretty decent to be honest.
“The process was that I had to go into a room, there was about 130 cameras and they just all flashed at once, and off that one picture, they created this statue.
“The attention to detail is brilliant.
“Although I did joke that I don’t think my legs have been that smooth, ever.
“It’s just such a proud moment for me and my family to think that I’ve got a statue.”
The Mayor of Gateshead was there, along with players from the Boldon and Gateshead College sides she played for growing up.
Scott said she will be fine coping with the cut and thrust of the fun show, following other ex-footballers like Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards.
She said: “I’ve seen how well they’ve kind of coped with that transition, they seem to have a laugh, but then also that competitive streak comes out as well.
“So I think this show should suit me really in terms of personality, I want to have a laugh, but also being serious at the same time when I want to win for the blue team.”
Since winning the Euros and winning the jungle show, Scott admitted: “Yeah, life’s changed a lot.
“I was used to just going to football every single day.
“Now I have to check my itinerary every single week and try and make sure I’m at places on time.
“I’m enjoying that, I’ve got to do some incredible stuff.
“I was at Royal Ascot last week, I’m going to Wimbledon this week.
“So there’s some great opportunities that are coming along and I’m just grateful to have work especially after you retire.”
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