Bear Grylls has been forced to pull out of Soccer Aid this weekend after suffering an injury, it has been confirmed, as he becomes the second star to pull out of the charity team

A second celebrity has pulled out of playing at this weekend’s Soccer Aid event amid Sam Thompson switching roles from player to coach. Bear Grylls, who was initially set to join Harry Redknapp’s England team, has been forced to pull out of Sunday’s game.

During an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine this morning, the TV survival expert shared the disappointing news with fans. Bear confessed he had been “excited” to make his Soccer Aid debut, but unfortunately, an injury has left him unable to participate.

“Yeah, doing some Soccer Aid training, and some sprints and pulled a hamstring. And I’m back on Running Wild next week. So I’ve got to try and get that to recover. But I’m gutted. I think Soccer Aid is one of the most iconic things on TV through the year.”

Bear Grylls won’t be playing this weekend (
Image:
ITV)

He continued: “Such a beautiful cause as well for UNICEF. Never needed more than right now around the world, helping children suffering the most. So I’m really sad not to be playing, but I’m going to be cheering you guys on. I’m hoping Team England have got it. But yeah, well done. I’m so sorry. I’m so sad not to be joining you.”

Bear’s withdrawal comes as Sam Thompson also steps back from playing duties. The former Made In Chelsea star made the tough decision to to step back from participating in this weekend’s event following a training session yesterday.

The star-studded match was poised to feature football icons like Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, together with Lioness talents Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott, and entrepreneur Steve Bartlett.

The line-up also boasts figures such as Euro 2020 champion Leonardo Bonucci, Nadia Nadim, artist Diamond and Strictly’s Gorka Marquez, as well as celebs like Paddy McGuiness, Sam Quek, Dermot Kennedy, Tom Grennan, and Martin Compston set to take part.

Louis and Sam had an awkward meeting on Thursday (
Image:
PA)
Unfortunately, Sam won’t be gracing the pitch due to an injury sustained during his momentous five-day charity endeavour which saw him raise over £1 million for Unicef; the efforts were marred when he suffered a dramatic calf tear. Even though he’ll be absent from the on-pitch action, Sam isn’t completely side-lined – he’ll be taking on a coaching role during the Manchester event.

Sharing an update on This Morning, he expressed: “I’m still very sore, still got the torn calf, however I am here at Soccer Aid HQ and it does not get better than this. We’ve still got the management team of England, we’ve got Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury, who’s stepping into some new shoes and Harry Redknapp..”

“But also because I’m not going to be able to run around, you’ve also got me, part of the management team. Come on baby! … I came here with high hopes and went to see Gary the physio and I can kick a ball from a standing start, but when it comes to like general chaos of playing competitive sport there’s just no way. I cant really run properly so yeah. They were very kind and said we still want you to be a part, so I get to go on the dark side with Tyson Fury.”