Paul Merson, the former footballer looking for success on Strictly after rollercoaster career

Paul Merson is competing on Strictly Come Dancingthis year, making him only the fifth footballer to ever appear on the hit BBC show.

Merson eventually announced his retirement from football in March 2006, following a brief stint at non-league side Tamworth.

Just months after Arsenal’s Cup Winners Cup triumph Merson opened up publicly about his addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling, issues that have blighted his career over many years.