FA Cup Final 2015 on the BBC
Reviving the tradition of day-long FA Cup Final excitement, the BBC is bringing audiences dusk-to-dawn programming devoted to the climax of most romantic football competition in the world.
Published: 19 May 2015
The BBC has delivered so much unique FA Cup programming to audiences since its return to BBC TV this season, it’s only fitting to end the competition on such a high. Devoting a whole day of content to the final, including special editions of Saturday Kitchen and TOTP2 shows just how important the event is to us and fans alike.
- BBC devotes whole day of programming to FA Cup Final 2015
- Content across BBC One, BBC Two, Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website from 6.30am
- Special FA Cup editions of Saturday Kitchen and TOTP2
- Gary Lineker hosts Have I Got News For You
- Sixty-four members of the Songs of Praise FA Cup Fans Choir perform Abide with Me
- FA Cup Final 2015: Arsenal v Aston Villa live on BBC One, Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website
Reviving the tradition of day-long FA Cup Final excitement, the BBC is bringing audiences dusk-to-dawn programming devoted to the climax of most romantic football competition in the world.
On Saturday 30 May, the BBC will deliver a whole day of FA Cup enjoyment beginning in BBC Breakfast on BBC One. There’s something for everyone throughout the day with special content across BBC One, BBC Two, Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website until the main event kicks off later that evening.
Fans travelling to Wembley from Birmingham are also in for a treat as legendary commentator John Motson takes over some train announcements throughout the morning, advising passengers on the next stop coming up as well as the buffet cart opening times!
BBC Breakfast (0630-1000, BBC One) start the anticipation on TV with live reports from Wembley, bringing the early morning buzz of Cup Final day. Following this, Saturday Kitchen (1000-1130 BBC One) will give their own FA Cup twist to the popular food show.
Over on BBC Two there’s the chance to relive a classic final of yesteryear in FA Cup Rewind (0830-0930) alongside a special edition of the children’s show MOTD Kickabout (0930-1000) and another chance to see Rio Ferdinand and Helen Skelton present the FA Cup 50 Greatest Moments (1000-1200).
Danny Cohen, BBC’s Director of Television, says: “The BBC has delivered so much unique FA Cup programming to audiences since its return to BBC TV this season, it’s only fitting to end the competition on such a high. Devoting a whole day of content to the final, including special editions of Saturday Kitchen and TOTP2 shows just how important the event is to us and fans alike. As a passionate football fan myself, I can’t wait to watch the excitement of the day unfold across the BBC, it’s just a shame my team didn’t make it to Wembley!”
BBC Sport takes over BBC One with Football Focus (1210-1300) which sees presenter Dan Walker giving a unique perspective of Wembley Stadium as he become the first Sports presenter to climb the famous Wembley arch. Mark Radcliffe presents a special football-themed edition of TOTP2 with all the classic Cup Final songs and there’s another chance to see documentaries Gary Lineker on the Road to FA Cup Glory, The Road to Wembley and the popular FA Cup edition of quiz show Pointless.
Gary Lineker and guests including Alan Shearer and Dion Dublin then start the build-up to the main event (from 1555) as current holders Arsenal take on Aston Villa at the famous Wembley Stadium. Sixty-four members of the Songs of Praise FA Cup Fans Choir will provide a different twist to the traditional pre-match song Abide With Me, before the match kicks off at 1730.
Mark Pougatch is live from Wembley for 5 live Sport on Radio 5 live. Mark and guests will be bringing all the colour and atmosphere from midday before John Murray, Alan Green and Chris Waddle commentate live on what will be the 134th FA Cup Final.
There’ll also be live text commentary from 0900-2200 with all the build-up, match action and reaction on the BBC Sport website. This sits online alongside BBC Sport pundit Q&As from Wembley and fan votes throughout the day which includes the all-important Man of the Match vote at full-time – the first time supporters have chosen a Cup Final MotM. BBC Sport social media accounts will also be asking fans to share their own trophy lifts throughout the day using #facuplift.
In the week leading up to the Cup Final, audiences will be given an insight into Gary Lineker’s perspective on the competition in Gary Lineker On The Road To FA Cup Glory (2245-2345, BBC One, Tues 26 May) as well as the story of this season’s FA Cup in The Road To Wembley, including contributions from Dynamo, Wretch 32, David Bradley, Rachel Riley and Benjamin Zephaniah (2315-2345, BBC One, Weds 27 May). Gary Lineker will also guest host the famous news quiz Have I Got News For You the night before the Final (2100-2130, BBC One, Fri 29 May).
For those not able to catch the BBC live action, highlights of the game are on BBC One from 2250 that evening. The live game and highlights programme will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after and there’ll also be a 10-minute catch-up available on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer with the final and the best moments from this season's competition.
Truly Madly Wembley (2100-2200, BBC Three, Weds 2 June), filmed on Cup Final day, will also tell the story of the day through the eyes of the fans, following all the trials, tears and tribulations of Arsenal and Aston Villa fans watching their teams on the big day.
GS
Full round-up of FA Cup programming across the BBC
(Please note schedules are subject to change)
Tuesday 26 May 2015
2245-2345 BBC One
Gary Lineker on the Road to FA Cup Glory
The FA Cup is part of our nation’s history. In this show Gary Lineker brings his own personal perspective on the oldest knock-out competition in the world. This season Gary has travelled the nation to meet the heroes and the hopefuls facing each other in the world’s most cherished sporting tournament. As well as following the FA Cup over the season, Gary speaks to current and former stars of the game for who the FA Cup formed a significant part of their personal footballing history.
Gary is in the dressing room with a successful Dover Athletic immediately after they knocked out Football League team Cheltenham.
He sits in as Cambridge United players plot their draw with Manchester United over a game of darts in their shared house. Ryan Giggs and Gary meet to talk about the greatest FA Cup goal ever, while Ian Wright takes him back to the estate that he lived on when he played for Palace, for whom he memorably came off the bench to score two Cup Final goals.
After his heart stopped in a FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane, Fabrice Muamba revisits the hospital where his life was saved. Michael Owen describes 12 May 2001 as the one day he would like to live again, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard describes the ecstasy of a last-minute Cup Final equaliser.
Jose Mourinho reveals that Chelsea's defeat to Bradford City in this season's competition was one of his two favourite FA Cup experiences and Everton boss Roberto Martinez talks of that most memorable of modern day giant slayings, as Wigan beat mighty Manchester City before going onto win the Cup in 2013.
Wednesday, 27 May
BBC Sport website
Which is the best FA Cup final goal of the last 50 years? Vote in Sportsday Live on the website from 8am until 5pm, followed by a special 5 live programme in which they will reveal the result and discuss the top 10.
2100-2230 Radio 5 live
5 live Sport: FA Cup Final Top Ten Goals
Mike Ingham counts down the top 10 FA Cup Final goals, ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup Final.
2315-2345 BBC One
The Road to Wembley
The story of this season’s FA Cup, the oldest and most prestigious domestic club competition in world football, told through the eyes of famous football fans who endured the highs and lows of their team’s cup runs. As well as showing how finalists Arsenal and Aston Villa booked their places at Wembley, there’s a look back at this season’s most memorable moments, including the upsets the competition is famed for. This year’s giantkillers included minnows Warrington Town, who eliminated League Two Exeter City, plus League One Bradford City, who knocked out Premier League duo Chelsea and Sunderland.
Thursday 28 May
BBC Sport website
Maths of the Day: iWonder guide looking at the maths behind a cup Final
Friday, 29 May
BBC Sport website
BBC Sport pundits and well know celebrities offer their predictions on tomorrow’s Final
1900-2100 BBC Radio 5 live
FA Cup Final preview show
Mark Chapman and special guests look ahead to tomorrow’s FA Cup Final. Current holders Arsenal will be hoping to fend off Aston Villa to list the trophy for the 12th time.
2100-2130 BBC One
Have I Got News for You
Gary Lineker presents the satirical current affairs quiz.
2200-2230 BBC Two
The Clare Balding Show
Clare gets into the FA Cup spirit with some star names whose careers have all been touched by the world's most famous cup competition.
Saturday 30 May
0630-1000 BBC One
BBC Breakfast
BBC Breakfast kicks off a whole day of FA Cup related programming on BBC One with live inserts from Wembley Way.
0830-0930 BBC Two
FA Cup Rewind: Classic Finals
Guy Mowbray introduces the best of the action from the 1973 FA Cup Final, which saw holders and odds-on favourites Leeds United take on unfancied Sunderland, then playing in the second division. A Wembley crowd of 100,000 witnessed one of the most memorable Finals in FA Cup history.
0930-1000 BBC Two
MOTD Kickabout
Presenter Radzi and his FA Cup sidekick Farnworth the Mascot head to Wembley ahead for the big match. They will be going behind the scenes in preparation for the Cup Final and getting an access all areas pass at the famous stadium. There will also be a look back at the goals, shocks and stories of the Road to Wembley plus CBBC’s Hacker and Dodge coach their own Aston Villa and Arsenal teams in the FA Pup Final.
1000-1130 BBC One
Saturday Kitchen
FA Cup special themed edition of the weekend food show.
1000-1200 BBC Two
FA Cup 50 Greatest Moments
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand and Helen Skelton present a special countdown of the FA Cup's 50 Greatest Moments.
Football-loving Olly Murs leads the cast looking back at the most celebrated, most shocking, most memorable moments from the greatest domestic cup competition in the world. With contributions from FA Cup heroes Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Vinnie Jones, Gary Lineker and Ruud Gullit, plus football fans Gabby Logan, Russell Brand, Louis Tomlinson and Eliza Doolittle. (please note this programme was first shown in January 2015)
1100-1200 Radio 5 live
Fighting Talk
Josh Widdecombe presents the Champion of Champions programme to round off this season of popular sports panel show, Fighting Talk. Josh and the best four guests of the season will be looking ahead to that afternoon’s FA Cup Final with special themed content.
1210-1300 BBC One
Football Focus
It's Cup Final day and Dan Walker and guests look ahead to the season showpiece live from Wembley.
With all the latest build up from the home of football and the team hotels as Arsenal and Aston Villa prepare for the biggest game of the season.
1300-1400 BBC One
Gary Lineker On The Road To FA Cup Glory
Repeat from 26 May 2015. See programme information above.
1405-1430 BBC One
FA Cup TOTP 2
No FA Cup Final day would complete without the assault on the ears that is the FA Cup song. Mark Radcliffe rounds up the best (and worst) football songs from the great history of the competition and the odd other football related pop performance. Perfect for people who just can't wait to hear "Diamond Lights" by Hoddle and Waddle just one more time! Alongside this, on BBC Sport social media accounts, users can vote for their favourite FA Cup songs.
1430-1520 BBC One
Pointless FA Cup Special
BBC Sport’s FA Cup pundits take part in the quiz, as they try to score as few points as possible by plumbing the depths of their general knowledge to come up with the answers no-one else can think of. Gabby Logan, Phil Neville, Robbie Savage, Jermaine Jenas, Jacqui Oatley, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Sinclair are up against each other in this FA Cup special. (please note this programme was first shown in January 2015)
1525-1555 BBC One
The Road to Wembley
Repeat from 27 May 2015. See programme information above.
1555-1715 BBC One
MOTD LIVE: FA Cup Final Build Up
Gary Lineker live at Wembley for the 134th FA Cup Final between holders Arsenal and Aston Villa. In-depth features and all the latest news from both the camps as the teams arrive at Wembley for the big day. Can holders Arsenal lift the trophy for a record 12th time or can Aston Villa end a 58 year wait for FA Cup glory?
1715-1950 BBC One
MOTD LIVE: Arsenal v Aston Villa
Gary Lineker introduces live coverage of the 134th FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa from Wembley.
Arsenal are the current cup-holders after winning a thrilling Final against Hull last year with an extra-time winner from Aaron Ramsey and they could lift the trophy for a record 12th time. Aston Villa have reached their first Final for 15 years and they will be hoping to end a 58-year wait for the title.
1200-1930 Radio 5 live
5 live Sport: FA Cup Final: Arsenal v Aston Villa
Mark Pougatch will present live from Wembley from midday with build-up and live commentary of the FA Cup Final.
BBC Sport website
Live text commentary from 9am until 10pm with all the build-up, match action and reaction
BBC Sport Social Media
BBC Sport social media will continue to use #getcarriedaway, on the day of the Final, but will also be asking people to perform their own #facuplift on social media. Sharing their images/videos of them lifting their very own cup.
2250-2325 BBC One
MOTD: FA Cup Final highlights
Highlights of the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Wembley. Holders Arsenal will be aiming for a record 12th victory in the competition as they look to lift the trophy for the sixth time in the Arsene Wenger era. Aston Villa have won the title seven times but their last triumph came back in 1957.
Sunday 31 May
1000-1100 BBC Two
FA Cup Rewind: Classic Finals
Relive another classic FA Cup Final, introduced by Guy Mowbray. The 1987 event featured a heavily-fancied Tottenham side taking on Coventry, who were competing in their first ever FA Cup showpiece. What followed was one of the most memorable matches in the competition’s history, featuring five goals and an extra-time winner at Wembley.
TX – TBC
MOTD: FA Cup Final highlights
A repeat of last night’s highlights of the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Wembley.
Wednesday 2 June
2100-2200 BBC Three
Truly Madly Wembley
The story of FA Cup Final day seen through the eyes of the fans. Filmed on the day of the Cup Final, Truly Madly Wembley will be up close and personal, following all the trials, tears and tribulations of the Arsenal and Aston Villa fans watching their teams on the big day.
Every entertaining moment of FA Cup Final fever will be featured, including every emotion, every passionate reaction and every smart wisecrack as it happens. Whether they’re watching live at Wembley, in the pub or on a big telly in the garden, we’re there to capture all the highs and lows of being a football fan on the biggest day in the English football calendar.
