Entertainment
Strictly star Paul Merson – addiction, gambling, three wives and eight kids
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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In Emmerdale spoilers for next week, the Dingle family gathers together to grieve the loss of much-loved patriarch, Zak Dingle.
Elsewhere, Moira delays her brain surgery, causing Matty to worry for his mum.
All this and more in Emmerdale spoilers for next week.
Emmerdale spoilers: 1. Zak Dingle passes away
Moira answers a phone call from Debbie and finds out that Zak has passed away.
Cain then gathers the Dingles and breaks the news to them, with the whole village mourning such a huge loss. The Dingles all turn to each other for support as they grieve Zak.
Sam, Belle and Cain head outside and come together to remember their dad. Cain and Sam then head off to Scotland to bring Zak home.
The Woolpack then becomes a place of mourning, with the family raising a toast in memory of Zak. On the day of Zak’s funeral, a long-lost relative appears at his graveside. But, who is it?
Emmerdale spoilers: 2. Billy wants to fight again
Billy decides to fight again but begs Mack to keep it a secret. He then plans to fight in another unlicensed boxing match to provide a better life for Dawn and the kids.
Meanwhile at Home Farm, Will tries to win back Kim with flowers before getting back into Dawn’s good books. But, is more trouble brewing for the family?
Emmerdale spoilers: 3. Moira prepares for her operation
Moira has a seizure whilst cooking breakfast, receiving the news of her operation slot the next day. She keeps this hidden from Cain though.
With the family grieving Zak, Matty worries about the reason behind Moira wanting to delay her operation. Can he get Moira to change her mind?
4. Caleb and Will want to take Kim down
With Caleb in financial trouble, lying to the bank, he meets up with Will to discuss bringing Kim down. Will they be successful?
5. Ruby finds out the truth
Receiving her mum’s ashes, Ruby turns to Chas for advice. Chas then encourages her to speak to the hospital about what her mum’s final words were. Ruby then discovers that Caleb visited Helen before her death. As she confronts her husband, how will Caleb explain himself?
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2024?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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In EastEnders spoilers for next week, Junior threatens to tell everyone about his affair with Cindy – and she’s not impressed.
Elsewhere, the club crush drama causes trouble for Chelsea.
All this and more in EastEnders spoilers for next week.
1. Junior threatens to expose the affair
The affair between Cindy and Junior looks close to breaking after Cindy tries to avoid him following her engagement to Ian.
Junior is still reeling from the news and calls her multiple times – to no avail.
Feeling lost, he storms into Beale’s Eels to confront her, but she tells him the affair is over and he needs to leave.
In The Vic, Junior snaps at Peter after he discussed the exciting engagement, and later heads to the café.
His rebound mind is on and he asks Priya to join him for a drink.
However, it doesn’t go to plan as Priya abruptly ends her drinks with Junior after realising he isn’t interested, as a vindicated Cindy watches on.
Later on, a worried Cindy watches as Junior approaches and talks to Ian in the pub. It’s clear he wants to play a few games…
Wanting to get the upper hand, Cindy joins Junior for a drink after he invites Peter out.
But, things quickly take a turn for the worse…
EastEnders spoilers: 2. Chelsea’s crush nightmare
Denise and Jack seem to be getting back on track, with Kim and Howie encouraging her to rekindle her relationship with him.
One person is not happy about the arrangement – Chelsea.
Back at No.20, Chelsea rails at her mum to keep her distance from Jack, lest he finds out she was behind the club crush and she gets in trouble with the police.
The repercussions across the Square are still being felt, with Lauren continuing to struggle with her recovery.
At the hospital, Amy gets upset as her recovery is going slower than she originally planned. Penny, who accompanied her, tries to comfort her but an argument ensues.
Later Penny makes the decision to leave Walford, and arrives at No.27 as Jack and Denise try to buoy Amy up.
However, things quickly heat up in the Branning household, as they often do. In the middle of a bust up, Denise finally drops the bomb that Chelsea was behind the crush.
Later on, an emotional Chelsea prepares to hand herself in after being confronted by Amy, Lauren, Penny and Jack, but will she make it?
3. Panesar problems
Nish continues to feel disgusted as Even and Suki talk about their engagement loudly and in front of him.
He hopes to break them up still, and concocts a plan that’s sure to develop a rift between the couple…
Nish summons Vinny and asks him to speak to Habiba to arrange for Tye to visit the Square.
Unaware of his plans, Eve and Suki dress up and enjoy their engagement party. Suki is touched when Vinny reveals that Nish has arranged for grandson Tye to visit.
Later on, she decides to invite Nish as per the request of Nugget and Avani and he, surprisingly, accepts.
Nish momentarily lets go while enjoying family time – but it’s short lived.
He overhears a conversation between Suki and Eve about bringing Nish down, which leads him to make a mysterious phone call…
What could it contain?
EastEnders spoilers: 4. Eve escapes the Square
In a last-minute decision to visit her family, Eve announces she’d heading to Yorkshire.
She tries to ask Suki to accompany her, but Suki decides to stay with her family.
This doesn’t seem to be her own decision, however, after Nish put his two pence in.
Suki stays to spend time with Tye.
Later, Eve softens after talking to Stacey, and calls to apologise to Suki but it’s clear that Nish is not happy at her intrusion in their family time…
EastEnders spoilers: 5. Teddy’s making moves
Teddy has his eyes set on Sharon and spends the week trying different methods to catch her attention.
He first tries to impress her by helping Kathy with Suki and Eve’s engagement party plans at the eleventh hour.
Later on, he asks Sharon on a date, but she rejects his offer.
Straight after, Kathy loosens her up and convinces her to give Teddy a chance…
Feeling more positive, she finds him for a conversation. Things don’t go to plan when Harry puts his foot in it.
Harry vows to make things right by setting up a date between the pair at The Arches. Teddy rails at Harry for being deceptive, but Sharon had already cottoned on to the plans and decides to attend anyway, much to Teddy’s surprise.
Sharon asks Teddy for a drink, but he bails to look after Barney…
Could a new romance be on the horizon?
6. Avani takes the next step
The young love between Avani and Mason appears to be growing after they share a kiss at The Arches, but Avani bolts after she thinks Mason wants more.
Later, Avani confides in Lily at McClunky’s, who tries to convince her not to sleep with him.
Little do they know, but they are being listened into by Tommy from another table.
Later, Teddy invites Avani to No.1 to play video games with Barney which she accepts, but their games are interrupted when Priya arrives and demands answers
She heard the whole situation from Tommy, who was happy to report back.
7. Jean and Harvey make up
After a lovely break away, Jean returns from Greece with Stacey.
However, she’s not feeling too refreshed after she shares a frosty exchange with Harvey.
She manages to corner Teddy with Mo and they convince him to give them a cleaning job.
But it’s clear Jean still looks to him for advice, after she spills her worries to him later on.
She’s heard differing events about Tommy’s behaviour from the mother and son, and shares her thoughts with Harvey.
Lending his ear as usual, the conversation soon diverts to their relationship.
The pair agree to try again.
8. Kathy warns Suki
Elsewhere, Kathy is shocked to see Nish and Suki playing happy families in the café with grandson Tye, and she later questions Suki on whether Nish can be trusted…
Could there be another element in ‘The Six’s’ story coming soon?
Read more: Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2024? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
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In Coronation Street spoilers for next week, the police find Joel’s body in the river and investigate what happened to him in a whodunnit mystery.
Elsewhere, Sam takes a trip to the hospital after suffering a knife injury.
All this and more in Coronation Street spoilers for next week.
Coronation Street spoilers: 1. Joel’s body is found
The search for Joel’s body following the discovery of his car and suicide note is in full swing – and the police make a shocking discovery.
Craig and Kit study CCTV from a train station car park and see Joel and then his dad around a locker. Following the lead, Kit interviews Gus in a desperate attempt to reveal the truth.
Later on, three lads are passing by the river and see a body floating in the water.
Off-screen, Craig announces to Lisa and Kit that the body is Joel’s.
Kit steals himself to break the news to Dee-Dee and Lauren at the hospital, while Lisa breaks the news to people in the Rovers.
Meanwhile, coroners undergo a post mortem, which reveals Joel was dead before he was chucked into the river.
Thus, a murder investigation ensues and everyone asks, who could be responsible?
2. The investigation
Multiple leads are being inspected, with Kit first questioning Lauren asking where she was on September 27th, the night of his death.
Elsewhere, Dee-Dee reveals to Ed and Ronnie that Joel was murdered…
More details of the post mortem are revealed, which say that Joel died from two blows to the head with a heavy weapon, most likely a crowbar.
While on the cobbles, DS Swain learns from Yasmeen that she threw Mason out because he had a crowbar, something which puts him as a main suspect.
Ever the protective mother, Lisa tells Betsy to stay away from Mason, which only leaves her intrigued.
Betsy warns Mason that the police are onto him. Hearing her warning, Mason disposes of the crowbar in a bin behind the factory.
However, it doesn’t go smoothly as he is caught in the act by Kit.
Meanwhile, Dee-Dee explains to Ronnie that the police believe Joel was attacked with a crowbar.
Coronation Street spoilers: 3. Stu threatens to leave
Mason is also causing tension elsewhere on the cobbles, this time between Stu and Yasmeen.
Stu grows angry with Yasmeen after she reveals a social worker has found alternative accommodation for Mason.
In a fit of rage, Stu tells Yasmeen he is thinking of moving – not just out, but to Germany.
He claims he wants to be with Eliza and Dom and away from Weatherfield.
How will Yasmeen react?
4. Bethany’s love life
Still in despair and trying to patch things up, Daniel explains to Sarah how Bethany has got it into her head that he won’t want to be with her as she now has a stoma bag.
Daniel emphasises this means nothing to him, but it doesn’t seem to be getting through to an insecure Bethany.
Later, Jenny tells Daisy that she bumped into Daniel and recounted his relationship struggles.
This makes her determined and Daisy sets off to the hospital, to put Bethany straight.
Will she be able to get through to her?
Coronation Street spoilers: 5. Platt plights
David is still on edge about Gail selling No.8 and has been carefully going over his finances to see if he can buy the house.
He feels particularly mistrusting after Jesse offers to lend a hand and reveals he’s taking Gail on a trip to Whitby.
Sarah and David take a moment to discuss his supposedly ‘strange’ behaviour but the conversation is cut by the arrival of an estate agent putting up a ‘for sale’ sign, making David even more worried.
Jesse, unaware to their suspicions, tells Gail he wants to get to know her kids. He treats David, Sarah and Nick to lunch in the Rovers.
There, the kids quiz him on his finances and he admits he’s awaiting some cash after he sold his home.
Elsewhere, Sarah accuses Adam of stealing Damon’s money from the lock-up. Adam assures her he had nothing to do with it, nor did Daniel, and the most likely suspect is Damon’s cousin who went to “check” on it.
At the lunch, David advises Sarah to forget about Damon’s missing money, but she’s not done yet.
Adam stirs the pot as he says Jesse may have overheard her and David discussing the missing money, and Sarah becomes adamant that Jesse took it.
She follows Jesse after he has to leave early.
Is he hiding something?
6. Rowan strikes back
In the wake of Nick’s affair and Rowan’s destruction, Leanne is working on picking the pieces up.
She tells Toyah that both of them should move out of the flat to leave time for Nick and Sam. Leanne reveals she has rented the flat above the salon, but Toyah will have to find her own place.
More bad news comes to the family, after Nick tells David that the police called and Rowan is pleading not guilt to blackmail and fraud. All of them will have to go to trial and testify.
Trying to take his mind off things, Nick flirts with a customer, but doesn’t realise Sam is watching.
Feeling unhappy with his dad’s actions, Sam tells the customer that Nick is engaged and unavailable.
In an attempt to reignite Nick and Leanne’s love, Sam prepares a romantic meal at the flat.
However, disaster strikes when he uses a sharp knife to try and open some oysters.
Not knowing what to do, Sam calls on Asha at No.7 and shows her a gash he’s made on his hand.
The sensible paramedic Asha takes a woozy Sam to hospital to have stitches.
How will Nick and Leanne react when they discover his plans to get them together have resulted in him being injured?
7. Hope falls ill
Hope’s vaping addiction is still a huge issues at the Dobbs’.
Fiz tells Tyrone that Hope’s too poorly to return to school and she’s taking the day off to look after her.
Tyrone reckons Hope’s brought it on herself by vaping, and encourages a hospital visit.
Dr Gaddas confirms that Hope has a chest infection and her vaping will certainly have played a part.
Is this the wake up call she needs to put down the vapes?
8. Gemma struggles
The full trauma of her brother’s death overwhelms Gemma, as she tells Chesney she doesn’t want Joseph to go on the school skiing trip in fear he might get hurt and he could pass away.
Chesney reassures her, but it does little to calm her down.
An understanding Joseph later tells Chesney he doesn’t want to go because he doesn’t want Gemma to feel stressed on his behalf.
Will the family be okay with his decision?
9. Frankie’s going home
A doctor informs Lauren and Max that Frankie’s condition is improving and he will be well enough to be discharged next month.
Lauren’s friends rally around her, with Bobby taking a particularly strong stand.
He tells Max that he still has strong feelings for Lauren and wants to be with her.
However, he learns that Lauren slept on Max’s couch the other night and they start to act shifty around him.
Could something be going on?
10. Ronnie’s big surprise
Debbie works behind the scenes to arrange a surprise party for Ronnie to make his 55th birthday.
He figures out the surprise with delight, but his mood is quickly squished when Kit and a colleague arrive to question him and Ed.
Ronnie insists he was home alone the night Joel went missing, while Ed claims he was at No.3 with Dee-Dee and Michael.
In an attempt to get the heat off their backs, Ronnie said he last used the satnav when he and Michael helped Joel move out of his flat ages ago.
At the party, Michael reveals they actually drove to Joel’s flat in his car that time and an unimpressed Debbie realises Ronnie lied to her.
How will she react?
Read more: Complete Coronation Street cast list 2024 – meet them all here!
Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
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