Nearly 24 years on from his untimely death at the age of just 51, West Ham United and England icon Bobby Moore continues to inspire a nation.
The legendary FIFA World Cup-winning captain, who led West Ham to FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup glory before making it a unique Wembley treble as part of the famous Upton Park trilogy with Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters in 1966, remains an enduring symbol of greatness.
Last summer, to mark the 50th anniversary of his finest hour, he became the first footballer to be honoured with an English Heritage Blue Plaque at his childhood home in Barking, while the Club will pay further tribute with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Player Awards in May.
On Friday evening, a new three-part ITV drama series, Tina and Bobby, will air focusing on the early family life of Bobby and his young wife Tina – football’s original ‘golden’ couple.
Tina remains a proud Hammers supporter and we are proud to welcome her to matches when she is over from her home in Miami.
Hammers fans of all ages will no doubt be eager to tune in and see the story of how Bobby became a national hero and icon whose legacy endures to this day.
The programme will also feature the early lives of daughter Roberta – now Patron of the Moore Family Foundation, the Club’s charity set up together with her and the Moore family to honour her late father’s legacy – and son Dean, who tragically lost his life in 2011.
Roberta and her family, including husband Matt, daughter Ava and son Freddie as well as Dean's daughter Poppy, remain Season Ticket Holders at London Stadium, ensuring that the Moore name remains intrinsically linked with the Club which he served with such distinction.
Bobby’s achievements are immortalised throughout our new home, with the North Stand at London Stadium named in his honour and Club London proudly hosting the exquisite BM6 Lounge and celebrating his memorable achievements. A Legends Stone is laid in Champions Place commemorating his West Ham United and England career, while his retired No6 shirt hangs with pride inside the Stadium for all to see.
Later this year, Bobby will be honoured with our Lifetime Achievement Award at The West Ham United Player Awards 2017, in aid of The Academy – the most fitting finale at the end of our historic first season at London Stadium.
Tina and Bobby is based on Tina Moore’s memoir, Bobby Moore: By The Person Who Knew Him Best.
ITV describe the drama as ‘the story of the legend’s life with his childhood sweetheart, Tina Dean, from their humble beginnings to the dizzy heights of superstardom.
Cast as the 60s golden couple are Michelle Keegan, formerly of Coronation Street, and Lorne MacFadyen, who revealed that Moore’s humility and greatness in equal measure provided obvious inspiration for taking on the role.
“What Bobby did, not only for his country but for where he came from, too,” says MacFayden. “Bobby was incredibly humble and I think that is why the public responded to him so well.
“People would often refer to him as Sir Bobby Moore, and that’s because he was a man of the people. He was, and still is, loved by millions.”
Tina and Bobby, episode one, is on ITV on Friday evening at 9pm
For more information on Bobby’s Lifetime Achievement honour at the 2016-17 West Ham United Player Awards, click here