John Barnes steals spotlight on Sport Relief performing World In Motion rap

Former footballer John Barnes has been hailed as a highlight of Sport Relief after he performed his famous World In Motion rap during the Strictly Come Dancing special.

Barnes, who is almost as revered for his part on New Order’s Italia 90 England anthem as he is his sporting career, turned up on stage in a pre-recorded segment to deliver his beloved rap during the BBC One broadcast.

Football pundits Chris Kamara and David Ginola and FA Women’s Super League player Alex Scott took to the ballroom floor for the Sport Relief spin-off of Strictly, dancing to the sporting hit.

But Barnes stole the limelight as he joined them on the dance floor to complete his rap.

Viewers of the charity programme were delighted with his appearance, with one writing on Twitter: “That John Barnes rap has made this #SportRelief probably the best one ever.”

Another wrote: “John Barnes rapping World In Motion, literally made my year!!!! Best football song ever.”

“I don’t care how the Netherlands Vs England match ends, John Barnes doing the World in Motion rap with Chris Kamara dancing next to him is the most exhilarating football-related experience we’ll all see tonight. End of,” another declared.

One viewer said: “John Barnes doing the World in Motion rap is surely worth a sizeable Sport Relief donation.”

For another, Barnes was the top performer of the show.

“Enjoying #SportsRelief #strictly – John Barnes the best mover of the lot,” they said.

Scott and her partner, Strictly pro Pasha Kovalev, were announced the champions of the Strictly special.