ITV Soccer Aid pauses as Martin Lewis interrupts with an ‘important’ announcement.

Martin Lewis has apologized after “interrupting” ITV’s Soccer Aid. The star-studded event, hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, aired on Sunday night (June 9), raising millions for charity.

During coverage, money-saving expert Martin had to take the lead to share an “important” message with viewers. He began: “Hello everyone watching Soccer Aid. Sorry to interrupt, but I have some important information.”

Instead of his usual advice on switching bank accounts or reducing household bills, the 52-year-old financial guru revealed that UK charities are losing hundreds of millions of pounds in unclaimed Gift Aid every year.

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Encouraging the audience to donate to UNICEF that evening, Martin urged them to “say yes to Gift Aid”.

He explained how the process works, saying, “When most people are paid, 20 percent of the taxes are usually eliminated.” The broadcaster continued: “But Gift Aid means you donate to a charity and the charity gets your money and tax back.

Say yes to Gift Aid tonight and donate £20 to UNICEF and get £25 – an extra fiver at no cost to you. “Martin added: “And there are more.

If you’re a 40% higher rate taxpayer, UNICEF still gets the 25% boost, but you can claim an additional tax refund that you can then donate as well. “.

The Good Morning Britain star ended her segment by once again urging viewers to say yes to Gift Aid. The charity football match took place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

Former Chelsea star and manager Frank Lampard joined forces with Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams as England manager in a thrilling match against Mauricio Pochettino, who returned as Soccer Aid World XI coach.

The star-studded line-up included cricket legend Stuart Broad, I’m A Celebrity’s Sam Thompson, Strictly Come Dancing’s Bobby Brazier and former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.

The World XI saw the likes of Roman Kemp, Usain Bolt, Martin Compston and Lee Mack lace up their boots. Meanwhile, ITV and TalkSport commentator Sam Matterface returned to the commentary box alongside Love Island narrator Iain Stirling.

But for the first time since 2018, it was a successful night for the England side who went on to lift the trophy after a stunning 5-3 victory that saw Usain Bolt carried off the pitch in the final minutes of the game.

Since its inception in 2006, the event has raised an impressive £90 million for charity, providing aid to countries such as Cambodia. Despite only having five wins in the last 18 years, England’s most recent triumph was in 2018.

This year alone, it has managed to raise a further £15m, bringing its total raised to £105m.