Saved by the Ball

Bravo commissioned a 10 part sports reality show entitled Saved by the Ball from Granada Productions. On completion the name of the program was changed to "Football Saved My Life". This program took a group of 15 dysfunctional men and turned their lives around through the medium of football.

The men all faced one or more present day life issues, including too much drinking, too much smoking, poor diet, anger management, depression, confidence and gambling.

Ex-premiership footballer and self-confessed ex-alcoholic, Neil Ruddock took the manager position, along with Justin Edinburgh at his side as coach. Using a team of experts including Dr. Adam Carey from Celebrity Fit Club fame (Nutrition and Diet), Angie Dowds from TV's The Biggest Loser: UK Season 1 (Personal Training) and Keith Power (Sport psychology and mental health), the team got this group of everyday guys fit, healthy, happier and on the road to a better future.

Celebrity football stars were introduced each week to give the "team" tips and tricks to help them on the road to their full 90minute match planned for the final episode at Dagenham & Redbridge football ground.

The series consists of nine one hour episodes and one 90-minute special. The 10 part show was broadcast in late 2006 and has been repeated several times since.