Paul Merson: Football, Gambling & Me

BBC1, 9pm

Ex-England and Arsenal star Paul Merson (right) is far from the stereotypical pampered Premier League player of today. That unpretentious quality is exactly what makes the plain-speaking footballer an open and shockingly candid confessor as he reveals the extent of his gambling addiction and learns about the science behind it in this hard-hitting documentary.

Revealing that it’s nine months since he last made a wager, Merson admits he’s still an addict and will always be one: ‘I don’t bet today, but it’s out there doing press-ups waiting for me to go ahead.’

You might be all too ready to blame Merson when he talks about the £7 million he’s thrown away, but he is genuinely sympathetic in this portrait of a flawed man wanting more than anything to do right by his wife and children. ★★★★☆