Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Paul Merson, Arsenal, Sky Sports, Football
Marcus Chan
A popular Sky Sports pundit has reportedly signed a lucrative deal to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
For those who aren’t familiar with the show, Strictly Come Dancing brings together a host of different celebrities who are then paired with a professional dancer.
Over the years, sports stars such as Robbie Savage, Louis Smith, Victoria Pendelton and Jade Johnson have all appeared on the show.
Ahead of this year’s edition, it has been claimed that a former Premier League star has agreed to join the show.
As reported by The Sun, Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has signed a six-figure deal to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
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A source told the publication: “Paul will be a popular addition.”
However, it is believed that insiders have warned the decision to have Merson on the show could back fire.
Another source added: “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.”
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During his career, Merson played for the likes of Arsenal, Brentford, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall. The 56-year-old also had 21 senior England caps.
In total, Merson scored 154 goals across 749 appearances in his career. He has also won two First Division titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup among other trophies.
Since retiring, the former forward has often appeared on Sky Sports as a pundit.
In recent years, Merson has opened up on his personal battles in a series of TV documentaries.
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Back in 2019, he said on ITV’s Harry’s Heroes: The Full English: “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.”
SPORTbible has contacted the BBC for comment.