Andrew Marr has joined other stars in wearing waistcoats in support of England manager Gareth Southgate, following the football team’s win over Sweden.
Southgate has worn the sleeveless suit staple throughout England’s World Cup campaign in Russia, giving the item a new lease of life.
With the national team now in the semi-finals of the tournament, stars and fans have been paying tribute to Southgate, with Marr sporting a waistcoat to host The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday.
“Coming up… @AndrewMarr9 with his own tribute to England manager Gareth Southgate’s dress style after Saturday’s win #ThreeLions #WorldCup18,” a tweet from the programme’s Twitter account read.
Coming up... @AndrewMarr9 with his own tribute to England manager Gareth Southgate's dress style after Saturday's win #ThreeLions #WorldCup18 pic.twitter.com/qjQCWZHSYj
— The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) July 8, 2018
At the start of the broadcast, Marr made a reference to Southgate while talking about Brexit.
“Good morning, and a big confrontation with Brussels looms, those who have waited are now blessed with a calm, decisive leader they can believe in… so thank you, Gareth Southgate,” he told viewers.
Over on Channel 4, Sunday Brunch hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer also opted to wear “lucky” waistcoats for the morning’s broadcast.
Lovejoy and Rimmer asked viewers to send in pictures of themselves celebrating England’s historic win against Sweden in the quarter-final on Saturday, with “extra points” given to people in Southgate-style waistcoats.
BBC Breakfast sports presenter John Acres wore a paper waistcoat during Sunday’s programme.
BBC Breakfast tweeted: “Who else was loving our sport presenter @JohnAcres48? No one else could rock a paper waistcoat quite like him! #ChannellingSouthgate #GarethSouthgateWaistcoat #WorldCup.”
Who else was loving our sport presenter @JohnAcres48 ? No one else could rock a paper waistcoat quite like him! #ChannellingSouthgate #GarethSouthgateWaistcoat #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FoZLElR9HJ
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) July 8, 2018
The waistcoat craze reached actor Hugh Grant, who tweeted on Saturday ahead of the game: “Like so many today am wearing a waistcoat. Just a waistcoat.”
Like so many today am wearing a waistcoat. Just a waistcoat.
— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) July 7, 2018
BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has suggested that if the waistcoat continues to grow in popularity, it could have a positive effect for Marks & Spencer, the official tailors to the England team.
He wrote, after England’s latest success: “If this carries on Gareth Southgate could save Marks & Spencer #Waistcoat.”
If this carries on Gareth Southgate could save Marks & Spencer #Waistcoat 😂 pic.twitter.com/fc9ReQsEGr
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 7, 2018
The interest in waistcoats has already grown in recent days, according to Google search data.
Between July 3 and July 4, searches on the search engine for waistcoats shot up, following the team’s win against Colombia.
The charity Bloodwise has also suggested a Waistcoat Wednesday drive for the day of England’s semi-final game against Croatia.
On its website, the blood cancer research charity asked fans to “show your support for Gareth Southgate and the boys ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final showdown – and help give blood cancer the boot.”
The organisation said: “In honour of the England boss’ new-found football fashionista status, we’re inviting supporters to grab a waistcoat (or print one – in England colours of course!) and button up to beat blood cancer.
“Taking part is simple: proudly display our poster to encourage everyone to don their favourite armless attire, make a donation towards life-changing blood cancer research and get ready to celebrate as the Three Lions sail through to the finals!”
