BBC Strictly Come Dancing signs up football legend amid bullying scandal

Football legend Paul Merson is rumored to be taking to the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing following his personal victories over drink, drug and gambling problems. The Sky Sports pundit is ready to dazzle with his footwork on the big BBC show, which is currently embroiled in a bullying scandal.

While Merson’s participation is expected to delight many viewers, there are murmurs that his inclusion could raise some eyebrows due to a previous police warning for an attack on his wife. After triumphing over his former addictions, Paul went on to have an illustrious football career, including an 11-season spell at Arsenal starting in the 1986-87 season and earning 21 caps for England, reports The Mirror.

A show insider told The Sun: “Paul will be a popular addition. Footballers always go down well with fans, whether they can dance or not. But he also has a past, having to battle addictions to drugs, drinking and gambling. “

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Merson has openly discussed his struggles in various television documentaries, such as the 2019 ITV documentary Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, where he spoke to Harry Redknapp about how gambling and substance abuse affected his life. Despite his £7million net splurge on alcohol, drugs and gambling in the 90s, Paul’s struggles persist as he deals with the daily needs of gambling.

In 2003, Paul faced scrutiny for a violent incident involving his second wife, Louise, which occurred amid a disagreement over ongoing gambling. Reflecting on the circumstances at the time, Louise said: “Like many people with an addictive personality, they are struggling to cope. He’s not doing too well at the moment.”

Seeking help later that year, Paul received support from former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. Tony set up the Sporting Chance clinic, which aims to support ex-footballers struggling with similar issues.

Last year Paul took part in the BBC documentary ‘Football, Gambling and Me’. Insiders hope the more openly Paul can use his belief in helping others to inspire many on the Strictly dance floor.

They said: “Paul has fully come to terms with his past and is working every day to move forward. He has become a strong voice looking to help others with regular charity work and hopefully he can show how far he has come on the primetime show.”

If announced, Paul is due to be joined on the Strictly dance floor by DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, blind comedian Chris McCausland and TOWIE star Pete Wicks. The Mirror has asked the BBC for comment.

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