Arsenal legend Paul Merson signs for Strictly in stunning six-figure deal as BBC desperately try to save crisis-hit show

Posted Monday, July 29, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk

FOOTIE favourite Paul Merson hopes to show off some dazzling footwork after signing for Strictly Come Dancing.

The Arsenal legend, 56, now a Sky Sports pundit, has overcome drink, drug and gambling addictions.

A source on the BBC show said: "Paul will be a popular addition."

But insiders warned the show — currently probing claims of bullying and abuse — risks a backlash as Merse was once cautioned by police for assaulting his wife.

A source said: "Footballers always do well with fans, whether they can dance or not. But he also has a past, having had to battle addictions to drugs, booze and gambling."

The 56-year-old, who played for Arsenal for 11 seasons and earned 21 England caps, has opened up on his troubles in a number of TV documentaries.

In the 2019 ITV doc Harry's Heroes: The Full English, he had a candid discussion with Harry Redknapp about how substance abuse and gambling affected his life.

The three-times wed ace said at the time: "Addiction is the most lonely of places and I've had three of the worst types over three decades. Never be afraid to talk — you're never alone."

Merson, who notoriously blew his £7million career earnings on alcohol, drugs and gambling in the 1990s, also revealed he still had to fight the urge to bet.

But his relationship with women could be the focus of critics.

The dad of eight's first marriage is said to have crumbled under the pressure of his recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism.

In 2003 he accepted a caution for assault on second wife Louise after a clash over his gambling.

She stuck by him, saying: "Like many people with an addictive personality, he is struggling to cope. At the moment he isn't coping too well."

Later that year he received help from the Sporting Chance clinic, set up by his former team captain Adams.

And in 2021 he faced his past problems with betting in BBC documentary Football, Gambling and Me.

A TV source said: "Paul has absolutely owned his past and works every day to move forward. He has become a powerful voice seeking to help others with regular charity work and it's hoped he can show just how far he's come on the primetime show.

"But the timing will jar amid the current claims about toxic behaviour of some Strictly professionals.

Paul joins DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, blind comedian Chris McCausland and Towie star Pete Wicks on the line-up, which the BBC is days from revealing in full.

Last night it declined to comment.