CELEBRITY
His n a me is R io… A
in full swing With football fever ships as the Euro champion talks to come to a head, Shire ndit – soccer star turned pu resident and former Cheshire turns – Rio Ferdinand as he ling a new his attention to tack foodie challenge…
fter winning 14 trophies with Manchester United, as well as his open and honest account of raising his children alone after losing his first wife to cancer in the documentary Being Mum And Dad, Rio Ferdinand is nothing short of a local legend. While playing for United – which he did from 2002 to 2014 – he lived with his family in Alderley Edge and was a regular face on the Cheshire scene. He retired in 2015 and in 2019 he married TOWIE star Kate Wright, with whom he welcomed a baby in December. Food has always been important to Rio, now 42, so it’s no surprise he was keen to take part in his latest challenge – to improve the nation’s snacks. “As a nation, we’ve got a bit of a reputation for our food being bland and boring,” Rio says. “So when Peperami asked me to get involved in the campaign, my competitive nature came out and I jumped at the chance.” The former England defender says he’s “eager to show people how we can do it better. As part of the experiment, the crew had me try some of the nation’s food fails. I wanted to see if some of the strange combinations could be wonderful, but they were just awful! The crew had me trying foods famous at football matches, such as a ‘Wigan kebab’ and jellied eels… they weren’t for me.”
Rio says food is the way to his heart. “I love eating out and good home-cooked meals as well. If I’m ever feeling down, Kate will make me a roast dinner. Honestly, her Sunday roast is unrivalled. The kids usually get involved and help us prepare it!”
“As a nation, we’ve got a bit of a reputation for our food being bland and boring”
Lockdown living
Like many of us, Rio has spent more time at home than usual since the start of last year. “I’ve got even more respect for teachers now after having to home-school the kids throughout lockdown!” he laughs. “I loved having them at home but I’m pleased they’re in their teachers’ capable hands now. I think the whole period was physically and mentally challenging for a lot of people, but I’m really grateful for the extra time it’s given me at
home with Kate and the kids and to make the most of the little, everyday moments.” The arrival of baby Cree gave the whole family a positive focus during difficult times. “It was strange welcoming him in these circumstances and not being able to visit friends and family or for him to see or play with other children,” Rio says, “but I feel pleased that I’ve been able to spend more time at home following his birth.” As a pundit, this summer he has been busy with the Euros, with the final on 11th July. “I’m so excited for the Euros and hopefully it’s coming home this summer! We’ve got a really exciting young squad and some unbelievable talent, so I’m excited to see how we do.” To see Rio tackling the nation’s sad snack selections visit @PeperamiTV on Instagram July/August 2021 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 31
Celebrity JulyAug 2021 FINAL.indd 1
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