Paul Merson is the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this Autumn. As Strictly celebrates two spectacular decades of dance, this series promises to be extra special with even more glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances.
Paul Merson is a former footballer and broadcaster.
Paul Merson 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. Paul played for the club for over a decade, playing 424 times, scoring 99 goals and winning all domestic trophies, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Paul 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. Paul is now a football pundit and commentator and has written numerous books that cover his football career and personal life.
Paul Merson says: “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 news was revealed on The One Show on iPlayer and BBC One.
The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Sarah James, the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill and the Series Producers are Ciara Murray and Joe Turner. The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.