Leicester fan loses beard after Foxes clean sheet

Isaac AsheEast Midlands
News imageBBC The pair posing after the shave in the BBC Radio Leicester receptionBBC
Foxes fan Eli Drury had been growing out his facial hair for weeks before BBC presenter Ady Dayman got to shave it off

A Leicester City fan who had been growing his beard waiting for his beloved Foxes to keep a clean sheet has a clean-shaven chin once again.

In all competitions, the last shutout before their 2-0 win over Bristol City had been an FA Cup victory against Cheltenham in January.

Eli Drury, from Gloucestershire, who has followed the club since meeting his wife Shannon 12 years ago, made the pledge, not realising he would be left bristling for weeks.

On Thursday, Drury visited BBC Radio Leicester, where presenter Ady Dayman clipped off his Foxes fuzz.

News imageEli Drury before the shave with a bushy ginger beard on his face
Drury had waited weeks for a shave after vowing to keep his facial hair until Leicester City kept a clean sheet

What started out as "a stupid idea" by the couple's son about a month after the FA Cup clean sheet, gained momentum when a video on TikTok gathered more than 200,000 views.

Drury, who faces a six-hour round trip for his visits to the King Power Stadium, said: "This was just meant to be a bit of fun, to bring a few smiles to people.

"I feel a lot lighter now, I think I've probably lost a stone."

News imageEli Drury is pictured mid shave
Drury said he felt a lot lighter after the shave

His wife Shannon said: "It was never really supposed to be a challenge and it's just become one.

"He's always had a little bit of stubble, I've never seen him fully clean shaven.

"It's going to take some getting used to. I can't get over how much younger he looks."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.