TEDDINGTON BASED EX-FOOTBALLER SIGNS FOR STRICTLY…
The former Arsenal and England footballer Paul Merson, who lives with his family in Teddington, has signed up as a contestant for the next series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Teddington Town can reveal.
The author and Sky Sports football pundit known affectionately as ‘Mers’ is the fourteenth celebrity contestant to be announced for the new series, which is due to start in mid September.
The 56 year old, who is often seen with his family in Teddington, made his debut for Arsenal when he was just 17 and played 424 times and scored 99 goals winning all the domestic trophies.
He played 21 times for England, scoring three goals and went on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth as well as a spell as manager at Walsall.
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!”
Paul is not the first former footballer to take to the famous dance floor. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was the first to appear, followed by former Liverpool and England legend John Barnes, England goalkeepers Peter Shilton and David James and Leicester and Wales midfielder Robbie Savage and former Arsenal defender turned TV presenter Alex Scott.
Paul’s former Arsenal team mate Tony Adams also joined the cast of Strictly in 2022 but later pulled out because of injury.
Let’s keep voting for Paul and bring the Glitterball back to Teddington………
