Football Coach Wins £90,000 on Quiz Show, Plans to Support Team

A football coach, Livvi Hodges, from Downham Market, Norfolk, secured a £90,000 prize on a television quiz show and intends to allocate a portion of the winnings to her girls’ football team, aiming to make them feel like “football stars.” Ms. Hodges, who participated in the BBC game show The Wheel on Saturday, characterized the entire event as “surreal.” “I just wanted to cry,” she stated upon realizing her victory, adding, “It just didn’t feel real.” The program, presented by comedian Michael McIntyre, features three contestants who respond to quiz questions with assistance from seven celebrities positioned around a large wheel. Ms. Hodges, the founder of the under-13 girls Downham Town football team, was likely familiar with high-pressure situations from her coaching experience. On this occasion, she received support from various celebrities, all described as “kind and positive,” notably singer Robbie Williams, who spoke with her following her appearance on The Wheel. She commented, “He was really lovely and really interested in the girls’ football team as well, which was really nice.” She credited her parents, whom she referred to as “big cooks,” for indirectly aiding her with the ultimate winning answer, as she recalled their discussions about herbs and spices. When prompted to identify which of four herbs possessed a distinct liquorice-like flavor, she correctly selected tarragon. The moment of anticipation before the answer was disclosed “was very, very nerve-wracking,” she stated. Ruby, 11 years old, observed her coach’s participation in the program. “She is so inspirational and is my role model,” Ruby remarked. Isabella, another 11-year-old teammate, commented on Ms. Hodges: “The fact that she is making time for us and getting us the stuff is so nice.” Concurrently, Nancy, also 11, characterized her coach’s performance as “amazing.” She added, “I think she’s a very kind person, and I’m very grateful as a team to have that little extra.” Ms. Hodges, who has worked as a plumber for 14 years, additionally serves as a lecturer in plumbing, gas, and renewables at the College of West Anglia, which has campuses in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. She stated that the funds would enable her to provide financial assistance to her team for the upcoming seasons. “Women’s football is so big at the minute,” she observed. “I just feel so happy that I can give back to football and give back to girls’ football and grassroots football,” she expressed. The quiz victor, who intends to maintain her current employment, mentioned plans to purchase football kits and equipment for the players, in addition to organizing a Christmas party for them. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.