Chris Kamara has launched a music career.
The Sky Sports pundit – who previously played professional football for the likes of Leeds and Sheffield United – has swapped his comical quips on the channel’s ‘Soccer Saturday’ show for song lyrics on his debut album, ‘Here’s to Christmas’, and is aiming to score a Christmas number one.
Chris – who is known as Kammy – said: "I know it might be surprising to some, but anyone who knows me – especially those who shared a changing room with me in my playing days who first told me I could sing – will tell you what a big fan I am of big band music.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get to record a full album, though.
"’Here’s to Christmas’ is something I’m really proud of and I think it stands up as something fun, but something that doesn’t sound half bad, too.
"An album to get everyone into the swing of Christmas."
On the record, which will be released on 15th November, Kammy croons Christmas classics, such as ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’, and ‘Santa Baby’, as well as the titular track, which was penned for him by Robbie Williams collaborator Richard Scott.
The retired footballer’s album news comes just a few months after the 61-year-old star made a cameo on ‘Emmerdale’.
He played a manager of a local football team who went up against the villagers’ newly-formed side, who included Doug Potts (Duncan Preston) and Jimmy King (Nick Miles).
Ahead of his cameo, Kammy said: "I watch ‘Emmerdale’ with my wife and my son, in fact my son is a massive ‘Emmerdale’ fan so if I was coming down, they had to come too.
"It was a great day and I loved it! I essentially got to play myself and not a character, but hopefully that’ll be the next thing along the line."
‘Emmerdale’ producer Kate Brooks said: "We’re absolutely delighted to have Chris join us for a special cameo in ‘Emmerdale’.
"With Chris’ football expertise, he certainly manages to ruffle a few feathers with our newly formed Woolpack football team."
Chris Kamara launches music career
