Former footballer Paul Merson is one of the 15 celebrities who has signed up to Strictly this year, swapping his football boots for his dancing shoes.

He admitted: “Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves.

“You never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”

But how old is Paul Merson? Is he married? And does he have kids? Keep scrolling to find out…

How Paul Merson is best known – and his age

Paul Merson is a former footballer, manager, commentator and sports television pundit. Born on March 20, 1968, Paul Merson is currently 56 years old.

When Paul Merson played for Arsenal

Paul Merson made his Arsenal debut in the 1986-1987 season as a forward. Later on in his career, he became an attacking midfielder and playmaker.

He played for 11 seasons and became a key player while George Graham was manager. He won the Football League Championship twice, the FA Cup, the Football League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

During a 2022 interview with World Football Index, Paul spoke highly of Arsenal.

“Arsenal is a Rolls-Royce of a club. A truly great club. Everything was perfect at Arsenal. You don’t fully appreciate how special the club is until you leave, to be honest, because you are spoiled at the club and it becomes the norm to you.”

He continued: “I played for some special clubs after Arsenal but nothing will top Arsenal. The club was incredible from top to bottom.”

Surprisingly, he doesn’t support them, though…

Paul actually supports Chelsea FC. While he previously played for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, he has been a lifelong Chelsea fan.

On X, formerly Twitter, Paul said: “Chelsea fan all my life…. Love Arsenal and Villa from my playing days.”

Where Paul Merson is from – and where he lives now

Paul was born in Harlesden in North West London. He lives in Teddingham in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

In a November 2021 interview with Teddingham Nub News, Paul revealed he had lived in the area for seven to eight years.

“It’s not stressful, the people are so nice – I just think it’s a nice nice place. I feel very lucky to live somewhere like this,” he said.

Who is Paul Merson married to now?

Paul has been married three times.

His first wife was his childhood sweetheart Lorraine Costin in the 1990s. However, his marriage came crashing down after he suffered from drug addiction and alcoholism as well as gambling problems.

According to The Sun, Paul wasted £7 million on drink, drugs and casinos.

“We never had any money worries because he paid off his debts. But if you’re earning £10,000 a week and you’re a gambling addict, you’re going to spend £10,000. I wasn’t even angry when I found out how much he’d spent. I just felt helpless,” she said.

Lorraine added: “We were childhood sweethearts, married young, had kids and we had a lovely life together with the football and all the trappings. But there was an underlying issue with what was going on inside. It’s difficult living with someone with addictions especially when I was so young. I had no experience of life myself.”

Paul finally sought help and checked into rehab. And, in January 1994, he broke down in tears at a press conference as he talked about his treatment. However, the addiction took a toll on their marriage and Paul and Lorraine split in 2001.

She has since said: “I never ever wanted my marriage to end. I never hated him, not once. I just felt helpless that I couldn’t help him any more. But you can’t help someone, you can only help yourself.”

The couple had three sons – Sam, Ben and Charlie – together.

Paul Merson’s second wife

Paul married his second wife, Louise, in May 2022. However, reports suggest they split two years later, having welcomed twin girls, Maisie and Molly, following rows over his gambling addiction.

During their relationship, Paul was also cautioned for allegedly assaulting Louise during a bust-up over his gambling debts. Later he claimed: “It has changed me for good.”

‘Kate gives me pocket money’

He has since got married for a third time to Kate Merson, who he is still with.

They tied the knot in 2016 and share three kids. Something they don’t share, though, is responsibility for the family finances.

Paul recently explained that, after he gambled away their house deposit in lockdown, Kate takes care of the money now. As a result, she gives him a strict allowance which he can only use on fuel and very basic shopping.

The star doesn’t have a wallet and has a block on his phone to stop mobile gambling.

Speaking in his Football, Gambling and Me documentary, he said: “Kate looks after everything. Gives me…I would say pocket money. At first I was a bit resentful of that, thinking, I’m 50-odd years of age and I’ve got to have pocket money.  But I understand that now.”

Strictly star Paul Merson on his addictions

Addiction has played a huge part in Paul’s life. He has struggled with an addiction to gambling for 35 years, something that has led to him considering taking his own life three times.

He told i: “I struggled with insecurity when I was young, a very shy kid, and the betting shop just completely took me away from how I felt. I didn’t even think beforehand I was going to do it, there was no planning. I thought I was going to go shopping when I got my first wage. My mate said we’d go across the road to William Hill and that was it. I can’t remember after that not wanting to gamble, if I’m being honest.”

He added: “It’s the most horrible addiction in the world. I’m a recovering alcoholic and a recovering drug addict, but for me, gambling addiction is the worst.”

Paul then said: “Even when you’re well, you leave a hand grenade behind you. My wife is still on tenterhooks, I’m not going to lie. But she knows I’m in a safe environment now where I can’t lose the plot quickly anymore. My wife gives me spending money now; I get treated like a 14 year old. A few years ago I would have had a problem with that, but with what happened after lockdown I have no problem with it today. That’s the way it’s got to be, because it only takes a second.”

During a 2023 interview with the Express, Paul opened up more about his addictions.

“I have bad days still,” he admitted.

He continued: “When I didn’t drink I was alright… one was too many, and 100 was not enough. But I was a binge drinker in them days… it got to the stage at the end where I was drinking every day. I was a functional drunk and compulsive gambler.”

Paul Merson – net worth and earnings at Sky

Paul’s salary at Sky Sports for being a sports television pundit is currently unknown. However, according to SPORTbible in October 2023, the highest-paid pundit was Gary Lineker with an annual wage of £1.3 million. In a top-10 list, Ian Wright ranked 10th with a reported sum of £150k a year.

As of 2024, Paul Merson is estimated to be worth $13 million (£11 million), according to Idol Networth.

His salary per year while playing was Arsenal is reportedly £1.2 million.

How tall is Paul Merson?

Paul Merson is 6ft tall, according to Premier League.

Paul Merson’s son follows him into football

Sam Merson is the son of Paul Merson. He previously played football as an attacker for Redditch and St Albans City.

Sam signed an 18-month contract with the Saints (Southampton Football Club) in October 2016 before departing in June 2020.

On his Instagram page, Sam appears to have left his football days behind him and developed a love and a professional career in golf.

“Starting my professional career was tough to start but gradually throughout the season I was improving my results and gaining valuable experience. I am now ready to work even harder in the off season ready for the 2024 season,” he shared in October 2023.

Paul Merson on Strictly 2024

The soccer star revealed why he decided to sign up for the BBC dance show.

“It’s because of my Mum. I always say my Dad played a big role in me becoming a professional footballer, but my mum doesn’t get the credit she deserves. She loves the show, so it’s nice for her,” he said.

Paul admitted his stand-out moment from the show was watching Tony Adams take part: “Watching my captain, Tony Adams. He was my captain growing up.”

However, he won’t be doing any football-inspired moves, like Tony: “Not really, not like Tony’s. I’m not planning to take off my shirt! Hopefully, I’ll be okay on my feet –I’ve been on them all my life.”

Strictly Come Dancing stars Saturday September 14 at 7.20pm on BBC One.

Read more: The ‘richest’ Strictly 2024 contestant – from Nick Knowles and Tasha Ghouri to Shayne Ward

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Dr Punam Krishan is known for being BBC Morning Live‘s resident medic – but the doctor is in the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up, and she’ll see you now!

Not that her patients won’t continue to see her in her NHS GP practice, too. Glasgow-born Dr Punam, 41, has insisted she will be continuing with her medical commitments while she’s appearing on the BBC One dance contest.

But Strictly, it seems, was an opportunity she just couldn’t resist.

‘This doesn’t feel real’

Dr Punam said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.”

She continued: “I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year. I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.

I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now.

“This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”

How Dr Punam Krishan is famous

Dr Punam has been offering medical insights and sharing health news on Morning Live since 2020. Her broadcasting has also included work with BBC Scotland.

She also went viral several years back as she detailed her experience on social media of experiencing racism from a patient.

“I decided to talk about it,” she reflected in January 2019.

Dr Punam added: “It’s important that people are made aware that these attitudes exist in Britain today. I hoped that if I could speak up and raise awareness, it might encourage other people to do the same and share stories where people haven’t been the bystander.”

Where to find Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan on TV

She hosted Laid Bare in October 2019, which saw patients given a comprehensive medical check up – and a frank assessment from Dr Punam. Her advice was described as “a living post-mortem” by one journalist.

Additionally, Dr Punam also appeared in episode of The Weakest Link in December 2022. However, she was voted off in the second round.

She’s also appeared on radio and in newspapers, and Dr Punam’s writing includes her debut children’s book How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs. Published in 2022, she’s also been commissioned to write a further two children’s books in 2025. You and Your Body will be a flap board book about human anatomy, while A Superhero’s First Aid Manual will concentrate on first aid.

Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan and her famous husband

Dr Punam married Sandesh Gulhane in 2011, a fellow GP. Since 2021, Sandesh has been an MSP for the Conservatives in Glasgow.

They share two children – son Aarish, 11, and four-year-old daughter, Ellora.

And Dr Punam has previously joked about her husband: “He started off as an orthopaedic surgeon. But you can’t live with me and not become a GP.”

Dr Punam Krishan on her family being told she ‘didn’t have long to live’

Dr Punam has also spoken about the dramatic circumstances surrounding the birth of her son have informed her career.

She ended up on a ventilator in intensive care as she had Aarish.

“My family were told that I didn’t have long to live. What happened to me was a complete out-the-blue crisis point in life that gives you a scare,” she said.

Suffering a postpartum haemorrhage, Dr Punam recalled: “It was a freak, bleed-out episode. I went into heart and lung failure, developed clotting issues and widespread sepsis.”

However, she came to realise that as she was offered medication, all she wanted “was support and space to heal”.

And so Dr Punam considers it important how being a patient can inform being a media, adding: “I returned to work a completely different doctor.”

What happened when Dr Punam Krishan was in a car accident

In March 2023, Dr Punam told social media fans about how her ‘life flashed before her eyes’ during a terrifying car incident.

She said on Instagram: “One minute you could be cruising along, living your best life. And the next you could see it all flash before your eyes.

“This is what happened to me as I lost total control of everything as my car aquaplaned across the lanes on a busy motorway at 70mph causing me to crash straight into the central reservation a few days ago.

“All blurry but yet so vivid, in slow motion but also too fast to register, so deafening but simultaneously silent.

“An experience of absolute fear but one that’s left an overwhelming sense of gratitude. All this, all at once!”

She added: “I’m still trying to process what the hell happened. But there are key people that I can’t stop thinking about whose selfless acts of kindness, compassion and care will stay with me forever.

“There are people who will slow down, look and drive on when they witness a RTA. But then there are people who stop, step up and play a significant a role in helping you. Absolute heroes.”

Dr Punam also explained how “an angel” who was among the first on the scene kept telling her to breathe as they cared for her.

She GP explained: “[The woman] even gave me her blanket to keep me warm and told me to keep it as the paramedics lifted me out.

“I’ve got it beside me now as a reminder of the sweetest strangers who’ll touch your life in the most significant of ways.

“You might never see them again but there’s real goodness out there.”

Dr Punam Krishan to continue as a doctor while she’s on Strictly

The doctor has made it clear she won’t leave her role as a GP while she’s part of Strictly 2024.

She told Instagram followers earlier this month: “When you’re surrounded by the best people, you can achieve anything.

“I’ve had some people ask me whether I’ll be leaving my NHS GP work to do Strictly. Absolutely not.

“It will be a challenge to balance it but I’m so lucky to be supported by the most fantastic team and, as my practice manager put it, ‘we will make it work!’ I love my job.”

Dr Punam continued: “My patients and my duty of care towards them will always come first.

“However, I’m also someone who has passions, dreams, and aspirations outside of my day job.”

She continued: “Strictly is a proper dream come true for me. I’m a fan and my practice team are mega fans so they are fully behind me for which I’m so grateful.”

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Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One on Saturday September 14 at 7.20pm.

Read more: Strictly 2024 ‘to have fewer female celebrities for first time in history’ following ‘bullying’ scandal

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Olympic swimmer Tom Dean MBE is one of the many star-studded celebrities who have signed up for this year’s 2024 Strictly series.

While he is used to swimming laps and winning gold medals, Tom has decided to switch it up and learn some moves for a chance to take home the glitterball trophy.

“I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!” he said in a statement.

But who is Tom Dean? How many gold medals has he won? Is he in a relationship? Keep scrolling to find out.

Who Tom Dean is, his age, height and where he lives

Tom Dean is a British competitive freestyle swimmer. His full name is Thomas William Darnton.

Tom was born on May 2, 2000, making him 24 years old. He is 6ft 4in tall, according to Red Bull.

Tom was born in London but grew up in Maidenhead in Berkshire. He was the second of five children.

He lives and trains in Bath, Somerset, according to BBC.

Meet Tom Dean’s parents

Tom’s parents are Jacquie Hughes and Jonathan Dean. His father, Jonathan, is a property d irector for the company Peer Group plc, who are based in London.

His mum, Jacqui, works in media policy. In an interview with the PA news agency, she revealed her son took part in dance classes at school and made the final of a “Strictly equivalent” dancing competition. “I wouldn’t say he was John Travolta,” she joked.

“Him and his brothers always choreograph a really funny dance for Christmas to show to me and his sisters, which is always hilarious, which they reveal on Christmas Day, but that’s just a bit of fun.”

Tom Dean’s girlfriend

Swimmer Tom is currently in a relationship with girlfriend Charlotte Phillip, who works for NewsUK.

Tom and Charlotte have been together since at least 2023. He has previously shared pictures of her on his social media. And we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for Charlotte in the Strictly audience!

Where Tom Dean went to school

Tom attended Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Following his A-levels, he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Bath. After developing a passion for swimming at the age of eight, he was training at the National Centre for Swimming in Bath during his studies at uni.

During an interview with the University of Bath in 2021, Tom stated that training and studying at Bath “was a no-brainer for me”.

“There are very few universities in the UK or even the world where I would be able to train in such great facilities and also study the Mechanical Engineering course I wanted to do. Both of those coming together in such a beautiful city, there was nowhere else that even crossed my mind and it has worked out really well for me,” he continued.

“I took a year out of my studies for the 2019-20 Olympic season, to focus all my time and energy on training for Tokyo 2020. Unfortunately it was postponed for a year but I was able to put back my return to studies for another year and fortunate enough that the University has supported me throughout that period.”

How many Olympic gold medals has Tom Dean won?

Tom Dean is a triple Olympic gold medallist. At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Tom won big, winning gold in the 200m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle.

At the Summer Olympics in Paris this year, Tom won his third gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle.

“I don’t think you can put it into words. This is what we all dream of,” he told BBC about his recent win. “This is what I have been dreaming of for three years since we won. We are the first team with the same quartet to defend an Olympic [swimming] title – it’s incredible.

“Even more special was having my family and friends and the crowd and that is what we do it for. Everyone watching at home, all the GB fans up in the stands – it is what we do it for.”

Tom has also won medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and European Championships throughout his career.

Tom Dean on Strictly 2024

Before the BBC confirmed Tom was competing during the 2024 series of Strictly, he let slip ahead of the announcement that he had signed up.

“Naturally you want to take a break after you’ve had a full Olympic cycle and the opportunity arose. I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different. I’ll be doing that and straight back into training after it,” he revealed in an interview.

Tom admitted he might be reaching out to fellow swimmer Adam Peaty, who competed on the show in 2016 and finished in ninth place, for some advice.

“It’s something to look forward to. I’ve not seen [Adam Peaty] yet. He did brilliantly on it so I’ll be getting a few tips from him, for sure. I don’t do too well out of water in gravity sports. I’m throwing myself into it and I know what a hard day’s training is like so I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

“I guess we’ll find out. It’s something to look forward to and once I finish this, back home, relax a bit with the family and then we crack on end of August time. It’s exciting.”

Read more: Strictly 2024: Bosses ‘demand all professional dancers undergo anti-bullying training’ amid misconduct investigation

Strictly stars on Saturday September 14 at 7.20pm on BBC One.

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