Top 10 A League of Their Own Moments

We’ll keep it clean for today’s opener, but only just. Sat alongside former teammate Robbie Fowler for this season eight episode, Jamie Redknapp tells a soapy story from their playing days at Liverpool. And David Walliams is hanging on his every, erotic word. Of course, the bubbly anecdote needs to be seen to be believed, so they recreate the cosy conditions on their desk, with Walliams taking the lead – much to Jamie’s obvious embarrassment. At least Fowler’s eager to get involved, though.

The show often ends with the Right Guard challenge, and there have been some classics in the past. But we’ve picked out season seven’s cage fighting finale for some no holds barred entertainment. David Walliams and Jack Whitehall are sent to the ring while their teams answer questions. Walliams concedes quickly, but Whitehall sticks it out for almost a minute with an opponent who’s probably twice his size. Jack’s claims of a turnaround are unconvincing, but the praise from James is well-deserved.

Regular viewers know how much Redknapp loves his golf. So, he’s in his element for this hole-in-one challenge. But then fellow panellists Freddie and Jack turn up, and ruin Jamie’s perfect day. Posing as caddies, Whitehall and Flintoff distract and demean their co-star, while Kriss Akabusi flies in for extra motivation. With course etiquette out the window and fuelled by Jamie’s increasing frustration, Jack and Fred have laid on literal fireworks if Redknapp sends it home. But will he ever succeed?

Jack Whitehall joined “A League of Their Own” in series five, and James Corden wasted little time in welcoming him to the show. With guest panellist Steven Gerrard giving inspiration for initiation, Freddie and Jamie take Jack within their sights. Fred’s misplaced effort only serves to raise Jack’s anxiety, while Jamie’s right foot is straight and true. It’s not the first time that a famous athlete has taken aim at one of the stars, but Redknapp’s strike is so sweet it must’ve left Whitehall sore for days.

You might know them as two of Sky Sports leading pundits, but Jamie Carragher and Redknapp were at a loss to analyse our next incident. Primed for an in-show lap dance, the former Reds were anticipating some risqué entertainment. Instead, big Neil Ruddock takes to the stage in a barely-there police uniform. Razor proceeds to inelegantly lose the little clothing he does have, before flashing just about everyone in the studio. His full frontal didn’t make the show’s final cut, though. Thank God.

This high-speed challenge featured in the opening episode for series seven, with unseen footage used for an ‘end of season’ special. James, Jamie, Jack and Freddie get behind the wheel with Jimmy Carr and Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams. Carnage quickly ensues. The group splits into drivers and navigators for some high-risk hilarity, racing through an otherwise picturesque forest location in Wales. Not one to half-arse anything, Fred accelerates into the challenge and produces a game-changing moment. Ambulance, please. Aaand, that’s a write off.

For a show which specialises in big stunts, the ‘who’s scared?’ skydive is a standout clip. James Corden conveniently sits this one out, as Flintoff, Redknapp and John Bishop take to the skies for an exercise in fear factor. Fred seems relaxed, Jamie apprehensive, Bishop’s rueing the beneficiaries in his will. Fitted with heart-rate monitors, all three throw themselves from the plane for a bird’s eye view of terra firma. And all for a quiz to determine who was most afraid. For the record, it was Bish.

We’re poolside next, for an extremely well-choreographed feature involving three of the show’s regulars. As temporary members in a pro sync-swimming team, Jack, James and Jamie glide through near-faultless routines for a panel of expert judges. Complete with props, kicks and comedy backing tracks, it’s difficult to pick a favourite performance. From Corden’s sassy intro to Redknapp’s nifty backflip and Whitehall’s perfect finish, even Freddie admits he’s begrudgingly impressed. Special mention for James and Jack’s make-up too. Go glam or go home, right guys?

We transcend the show with today’s runner-up, for a moment which had a lasting impact on British sport. Because Mo Farah’s ‘Mo Bot’ starts here. The long-distance runner was on the eve of London 2012 when he appeared on Freddie’s team, and James proposed creating a gold medal celebration for him. Guest panellist Clare Balding came up with the idea, and Mo performed the now-famous salute for the first time. Corden quickly names it, and the rest is history.

John Barnes’ rapping credentials were well known long before this series nine appearance. So, with Amanda Holden in the studio, he goes all-out gangsta for a glorious rendition of “Rapper’s Delight”. But the show hits new heights when Jamie Redknapp joins in, nailing every lyric like he’s done this a thousand times before. Amanda seems quite confused throughout the whole thing, but it’s a definite yes from us. There have been many musical numbers, but hilarious hip-hop with ex-England internationals is “A League of Their Own” at its very best.