Ella Toone, England’s midfield dynamo, opens a BBC documentary about how her late father Nick shaped her career. The 26‑year‑old explains that every post‑match call from Nick—who scoured pubs for women's football gossip—became a ritual of support and critique. His absence left an empty chair at her upcoming wedding, a symbol of the grief she carries.

Nick’s death in September 2024 forced Toone back onto the pitch within days, honoring what he’d wanted. She scored a long‑range strike in a 7‑0 FA Cup win over West Brom, dedicating the goal to him. The moment, televised by BBC after her first match post‑break, underscored his lasting influence on every touch today.

The documentary also follows Toone’s fiancé, Joe Bunney, who turned the dream of a girls’ academy into reality after his own playing career ended. Their ET7 Academy now propels young talent, a legacy Nick would have championed. Toone credits Bunney’s support with keeping her grounded through loss and preparation for her wedding with joy and resolve.

As she prepares to walk down the aisle, Toone insists the day stay football‑free, banning club chants from the celebration. She plans to have her uncle Dan lead her instead of a teammate. The wedding, set for July, will remember Nick not only in memory but also through the future he helped build for all.