Wolf Hall legend confirmed for new Premier League comedy from Cristiano Ronaldo

It has been confirmed that Wolf Hall and Band of Brothers star Damian Lewis will lead the cast of Day 1s, a new football comedy coming to Paramount+.

The 10-episode series follows a gifted young footballer who achieves his dream of playing in the Premier League for Brentford FC, bringing along the friends who stood by him long before the money, fame and success - these are the people he calls his Day 1s.

The project is the first to come from a company, UR-Marv Studio, which has been newly founded by footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn.

Vaughn is said to have directed the pilot for the series, while Borat co-writer Dan Mazer will act as the showrunner. Lewis and Thierry Henry are also on board as executive producers, and the idea was conceived by producer Darren Dein.

Ronaldo said in a statement: "I’ve spent my entire life in football, and I know that some of the most powerful stories happen away from the pitch. Football is about dreams, ambition, loyalty, sacrifice and the people who believe in you from day one. That’s what makes Day 1s special.

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"As a producer, I’m proud to help bring a different side of the game to life, through a story that I believe can connect with audiences far beyond football.

"To take this first journey in the industry alongside my partner and friend Matthew Vaughn and having a superb former player and a great person like Thierry Henry on board makes this all even more special."

Meanwhile, Vaughn added: "It’s the perfect project for Cristiano and I to start our company with – and to say he is a friend and a partner is a true honour. I’m sure the man who has broken every record in football will soon be doing the same in film and TV."

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Lewis was recently seen starring in the films Fackham Hall, Pressure and The Runner, while he also reflected on his role in Band of Brothers in a documentary released earlier this year, Band of Brothers: Legacy.

Pressure was also set during the Second World War, and speaking with Radio Times about the film earlier this year, he said: "I feel very lucky to have helped win the Second World War twice from two different standpoints!"

Another football comedy, Ted Lasso, has proved hugely popular in recent years, and just released its fourth season. The team behind Day 1s will no doubt be hoping that it can hit those same heights.

Day 1s is coming soon to Paramount+. You can sign up to Paramount+ for a seven-day free trial.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.