BBC Strictly branded 'tone-deaf' as fans outraged at Paul Merson signing after domestic assault arrest
Many fans of Strictly Come Dancing are angry with the BBC for choosing to feature Paul Merson, a retired football star who was once arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife.
In 2007, news surfaced that Merson had been taken into custody overnight on allegations of harming his wife, Louise, 33. The Daily Mail and RTE reported that Louise had contacted the authorities for assistance.
During his time as a professional, Merson faced widely reported struggles with addiction to drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Upon being arrested, he was taken to a local police station in Sutton Coldfield, located in the West Midlands.
A representative from West Midlands Police informed PA News that a 35-year-old man from Sutton Coldfield was taken into custody at 11pm on Sunday November 9 after being accused of assaulting a woman.
Merson allegedly agreed to a warning for assault and was then let go the following day.
Louise, who was Merson's second spouse and the mother of his twin daughters, publicly addressed his arrest shortly after it happened. She told The Mirror, "There have been many things that have happened that I'm sure some people would be curious about, but it's none of their business."
Paul Merson was taken into police custody in 2007 for allegedly attacking his spouse, Louise.
I'm keeping quiet and Paul is staying silent too. We both have our own issues to deal with like everyone else, but we're working through them together.
The pair broke up in 2013, and Merson eventually got married to his present spouse, Katie Merson, in 2016. He also became a father to his eighth child in 2021.
His initial marriage to Lorraine Costin fell apart while he was battling drug addiction and alcoholism. This happened after a decade of marriage and having three children together.
The issue of Merson getting arrested came up again because he was revealed as one of the participants in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. This has angered a lot of fans who disagree with the broadcaster's choice.
Paul Merson and Katie Merson tied the knot in 2016 and had their first baby together in 2021.
Commenting on the official Strictly Instagram page, a fan expressed their concerns about Merson's participation on the show, pointing out his past caution for assaulting his female partner.
"Can you believe this? The person's prior actions? The current circumstances? What were they thinking? This is such a misuse of OUR money," another person complained, while another observed, "Choosing someone with a history of domestic violence in a year when the show has been focused on supporting women. The casting team should be changed."
"I don't understand their lack of awareness and it's really disappointing," one person wrote simply. Another person added, "How can they be so out of touch?!"
Yet, not everyone was disappointed by the show's choice to include him. A positive viewer and supporter commented: "Don't pay attention to the critics…Enjoy yourself, my former high school classmate. It's nice to see an average person with extraordinary talent inspiring other regular guys to try new things." (sic)
GB News reached out to the BBC for a statement.
The addition of Merson to the team caused a negative reaction, following criticism of the BBC show for investigating Giovanni Pernice's behavior towards Amanda Abbington. Pernice has strongly denied all allegations.
Graziano Di Prima was fired for how he treated Zara McDermott, as a person close to the Love Island star reported to managers that the dancer had been physically abusive towards her.
Di Prima confessed to recalling a time when he kicked McDermott, but denied ever hitting or spitting on him. He recently stated that he believed they were still friends before the accusations.
Merson was revealed last night on The One Show, where he said: "I'm not stressing about it yet because it hasn't started. I'm the type of person who doesn't worry about things that are still a month away, but I'm sure when it begins I will definitely feel nervous."
I have only danced three times in my life, and each time was at my weddings. I always give my best effort, 100 percent. Throughout my career, I have always strived for success. Whether it was playing football or any other endeavor, I always give it my all and never give up without a fight.
Merson, Nick Knowles from DIY SOS, and Sam Quek, an Olympic hockey champion, were confirmed as the final three contestants for the 20th-anniversary special. However, some supporters were not happy and felt that the show had lost its appeal.
Merson is now part of a group that includes Knowles, Quek, Tasha Ghouri from Love Island, Montell Douglas from Gladiators, Tom Dean an Olympic swimmer, Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders, Sarah Hadland from Miranda, Shayne Ward a singer, Pete Wicks from The Only Way is Essex, Punam Krishan a TV doctor, Toyah Willcox a singer, Wynne Evans a singer, JB Gill from JLS, and comedian Chris McCausland.
