George would appear at many functions dressed in the tailor made costume and there are numerous photos of him with players. George was present cheerleading at all the England matches played at the 1966 World Cup. With him England never lost a match.
Whenever asked, George, was only too ready to attend charity functions as himself and as World Cup Willie. For a few years after the World Cup he was well known for appearing as Willie at charity football matches featuring the TV Entertainers XI consisting of well known and local celebrities. George did not play but he was always the one to start kick-off followed by much cheerleading and banter along the touchline. People loved him and children warmed to him because of his size. His friend Terry Ellis who provided live match commentary would transport George to the meeting point at Shepherds Bush where a coach would take the entertainers to the match. After match refreshments were provided till very late in the evening which Terry says as the matches were held on Sundays there would be many entertainers feeling the worse for wear at work in the TV studios the following morning.
Away from World Cup Willie, George had a busy and illustrious acting career appearing in many TV, film, and stage shows.
His highlights include George the photographer in the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour film, lead Oompah Loompah in the original Charlie and the Chocolate factory, and a critically well received performance in the 1967 BBC production of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe even appearing 22 years later in the 1989 BBC production of Prince Caspian the second instalment in the Narnia series.
George Claydon
in full outfit
Article from a trade magazine. They have incorrectly spelt his surname
As part of the promotional campaign the Football Association came up with the idea of a real live World Cup Willie. For the part they chose the actor George Claydon who was one of the most prominent actors with dwarfism in the UK.
1967 charity programme included player profiles. List includes Jeremy Bulloch from Star Wars and
Craig Douglas of Kung Fu Fighting fame. In the photo pop star Brian Poole also in the Entertainers XI
George at Brighton with Terry Elllis and family 1966
George Claydon 1933 - 2001