Paul Merson Wife, Age, Children, Height, Partner, Wikipedia, Strictly, Addiction
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Paul Merson Biography – Paul Merson Wiki
Paul Merson is a former footballer and broadcaster. He made his debut playing for Arsenal Football Club when he was 17 years old and went on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year. He played 21 times for England, scoring three times and went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and becoming player manager at Walsall Football Club.
Merson’s football journey began in 1984 when, at just 14, he signed with Arsenal. A promising attacking midfielder, he gained experience on loan at Brentford before returning to Arsenal in 1987, where he scored on his debut match and netted three more goals in his first five starts.
Paul’s football career earned him a series of titles, including PFA Young Player of the Year, the FA Cup, League Cup, and helping Arsenal secure their first European trophy in 24 years by winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup. While representing England, Merson openly battled mental health struggles and addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling, which he sought therapy after.
After rehab, ‘The Magic Man’ as Arsenal fans called him, continued to shine. He transferred to Middlesbrough for £4.5 million, becoming the most expensive non-Premiership signing. His career highlights also include stints at Aston Villa, Portsmouth, and Walsall, with his time at Villa being a standout.
Since retiring in 2006, Paul has been a football pundit and commentator and has written numerous books that cover his football career and personal life. He has thrived as a Sky Sports pundit and match reporter on Soccer Saturday.
Paul Merson Age
He was born Paul Charles Merson on 20 March 1968 in Harlesden, London, England.
Paul Merson Wife
Paul Merson is currently married to Kate Merson. The pair married in 2016 and have three children together. He has been married three times, to his high-school sweetheart Lorraine Costin and his second wife, Louise Bache. His first marriage ended due to addictions to gambling, alcohol and drugs.
Paul Merson Children
Ex-England footballer Paul Merson has eight children – five of them between his previous two marriages – three with Lorraine and twin girls with Louise.
Paul Merson Strictly Come Dancing
Paul Merson was the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The news was revealed on The One Show on iPlayer and BBC One.
Paul said: “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 and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”
The other celebrity contestants taking part in the new series include Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Dr Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean MBE, Montell Douglas aka Fire, Nick Knowles and Sam Quek MBE.
Paul Merson Partner
Paul Merson was paired with professional partner Karen Hauer for Strictly Come Dancing 2024. Host Claudia Winkleman asked Paul how thrilled he is to be paired with the longest-serving pro, Karen Hauer. Paul responded, “Yeah, I’m well happy. So pleased. You’ve put the two oldest together… and I’m one of them!”
Karen said: “I just want him to enjoy himself, I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”.
Paul Merson Height
Strictly’s Paul Merson stands at a height of 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in).
Paul Merson Addiction
Paul opened up about his struggles with addictions in the one-off documentary “Paul Merson – A Walk Through My Life,” a co-commission by BBC Two and BBC England. He talks about anxiety during childhood and his three decades-long fight with alcohol and gambling, and how his life was turned upside down. He also describes the “loss of time” he will never get back, but after three years sober, feels “present and in the moment” thanks to ongoing therapy, his wife, family and faith.
There are several emotional moments in the film where Paul discusses the power of faith, the role religion plays in his life and recovery, and how love and hope have guided him through his darkest days. Later, in moving tributes to his dad and wife, he describes the sacrifices and support they have given him through moments of his life.
Paul Merson’s Instagram handle is @paulmerseofficial.
