The “WAG” life has regained popularity in recent years and so it’s no surprise that Amazon’s new documentary, Married To The Game, has already proved a hit – with fans calling for the reality TV series to become a permanent fixture on the streaming platform.
The six-part series, which landed in late February, follows the partners of several high-profile Premier League footballers – such as Cat Harding, who is engaged to Arsenal player Jorginho – navigate their home lives, careers and relationships.
And an insider tells Closer that WAG and former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Taylor Ward, 26 – who featured on the show alongside her footballer husband, Riyad Mahrez, 33 – is in demand, with TV bosses desperate to sign her up for more work.
The source says, “Following on from the documentary, Taylor has proved to be a big hit. Viewers are fascinated by her relationship with Riyad, and producers are keen to give them their own show, following along as they make Saudi Arabia their home while planning their third wedding. Riyad is less keen, but Taylor thinks it would be amazing. They could talk about the ups and downs of Saudi life, being a blended family and how Taylor is running her own business.”
Taylor met Riyad in early 2020, before getting engaged the following June. That same year, practising Muslim Riyad married Taylor in a traditional Islamic Nikah ceremony, before holding a second London-based wedding. But she’s no stranger to the world of football, having grown up as the daughter of former pro footballer Ashley, 49, and Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Dawn, 50.
And the source adds that controversial Dawn Ward would be great to draw in viewers too, saying, “Taylor has had a very interesting story. She grew up around football, had a very privileged life and is now carrying on the tradition by marrying Riyad. And having Dawn involved too would be a no-brainer for producers.”
Taylor and Riyad – who are also planning to throw a third wedding bash in Europe this summer – welcomed their daughter Mila, one, in 2022, with Taylor also being stepmum to Riyad’s daughters, Inaya, six, and Aya, five, who he shares with ex-wife Rita John.
The family have recently moved to Saudi Arabia, after Riyad signed a £30m deal with Saudi- based football club, Al-Ahli, after five years at Manchester City FC. In Married To The Game, viewers saw the highs and lows of Taylor adapting to life away from the UK.
And now sources say producers believe that showing Taylor setting up home in Saudi – as well as planning the couple’s third wedding – will be a hit with audiences.
The source says, “Taylor’s doing a great job of setting up her family’s new home – money is no object, and producers know the glamorous home would make great viewing. While she obviously lives an extremely privileged life, she also goes through what many women go through – relationship issues and motherhood struggles – and producers think it’ll make great TV.
“She’s also got her third wedding to plan, and if viewers thought her second wedding was stressful and dramatic, it’ll be nothing compared to this! Throw in Dawn, who will be helping her to do up the house and plan the wedding, and there’s sure to be fireworks.”