Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show

Paul Merson on how he finds showbiz side of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson opened up about the challenges he faces on the BBC show during an appearance on It Takes Two.

Host Fleur East pointed out the stark contrast between his football career and the dazzling world of Strictly.

When quizzed on whether he was enjoying himself, Paul hesitated before responding with a tentative: "Yeah?"

His blunt response sent everyone into fits of laughter as he confessed: "You know what? I don't know that's the bit I find really hard, the showbizy bit."

The former footballer elaborated on his discomfort with the entertainment aspect, adding: "I'm a footballer, put your boot on, you get the job done."

Paul shared the hardest part of taking part in Strictly for him (Image: BBC)

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Reflecting on Saturday's live show, he recalled how the other contestants sang the Vindaloo song post-performance, he added:"I find that- I'm like a little shy boy! Oh, stop it."

Despite his shyness, Paul shared the touching reason behind his participation in Strictly his mother's love for the show, reports the Mirror.

Fleur brought up his mum's reaction to his dancing, to which Paul responded warmly: "Yeah! My mum loved it, she absolutely loves it. If it wasn't for my dad I wouldn't of been a footballer."

Paul and Karen earned a score of 17 for their routine (Image: BBC)

He credited his father for his football success but decided to join Strictly for his mum, who is an avid fan.

Paul and his dance partner Karen Hauer scored 17 points for their American Smooth, placing them 14th on the leaderboard alongside Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta.

This upcoming weekend, the duo will be performing a Salsa to the tune of Fireball.

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The contestant confessed he agreed to go on the show for his mum (Image: BBC)

Discussing the routine, Karen revealed her optimism due to Paul's dance abilities, saying: "This is actually going to be a Salsa that people recognise!

"So it's great. He's brilliant, working hard, focused and I'm going to get those hips moving a lot."

Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday on BBC One from 6:15pm and Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two from 6pm

Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing and Arsenal icon Paul Merson reveals hardest part of BBC show