Paul Merson's Strictly Fee Goes Towards Recovery Efforts Amid Addiction Battles
Arsenal legend Paul Merson, known for his football prowess and now as a popular pundit, has been facing a different kind of challenge on the dance floor in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing . Merson recently survived a close elimination in the competition, showing resilience not only in his dance moves but also in his personal life, as he has battled severe addictions for decades.
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Merson has always been open about his struggles with gambling, alcohol, and drugs, revealing that his addictions have cost him millions. He admits to losing over £7 million through gambling alone, a habit so consuming that it once left him contemplating suicide. In fact, Merson's gambling compulsion reached a point where he would want to break his own fingers to prevent himself from placing bets. His transparency about these issues, especially during appearances like Strictly , aims to inspire others suffering from addiction, showing that even in recovery, new opportunities can still be embraced.
The six-figure salary Merson earns from Strictly Come Dancing doesn't go to him directly; instead, it is carefully managed by his wife, Kate. This arrangement is part of his effort to safeguard his finances and prevent his past gambling habits from resurfacing. Despite his public success, Merson acknowledges how easy it is for addiction to take control, explaining that his battle with these issues has spanned over three decades, peaking during the pandemic when he gambled away £160,000 meant for a house deposit on table tennis matches.
Today, Paul Merson is five years sober from alcohol and drugs, a significant achievement given his history. Early in his career, Merson was sent to rehab after a public admission of his cocaine addiction, which had led him into spiraling debt and destructive behavior. He has often recalled turning to drugs and alcohol during his time at Arsenal, even taking drugs before training sessions. The impact of addiction seeped into his personal life as well, leading to two divorces and affecting his relationships with his children. Merson has been married three times and is a father of eight.
Despite all the hardship, Merson’s openness about his experiences with addiction, coupled with his determination to reform, shows the strength of his recovery. Today, he uses his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling, alcohol, and drugs, pushing for changes in the gambling industry. His participation in Strictly is more than just a personal challenge—it’s a symbol of his ongoing recovery journey and a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.
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