Why Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson is 'furious' at song choice for first show

The former Aston Villa star, Paul Merson, was left "furious" after finding out that his debut dance on BBC Strictly Come Dancing would be to the iconic '98 World Cup anthem 'Vindaloo'. Set to take to the ballroom when the new series commences next weekend for which the introductory episode has already been pre-recorded this week Merson learned about his tune during the launch.

The Mail on Sunday reports that show producers were keen to get a retake of Merson's initial reaction as they sought a more upbeat vibe. According to an inside source: "Paul looked really cross. The celebrities and their partners were being told what songs they would have. Lots of them were given lovely classics - then he got Vindaloo."

The insider expressed: "You can't blame him for thinking he is being set up to be the joke act, but also the connotations of it [the song] are also not exactly positive either. ", and elaborated: "It has been accused of being racist and the song that far-Right football hooligans sing. It's pretty thoughtless of the BBC to give it to one of their stars of Strictly, particularly given all of the scandals that have engulfed the show for the last nine months."

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Wrapping up their sentiments, the source highlighted: "The BBC clearly forgot its woke agenda on this occasion."

Furthermore, in ITV's 2019 documentary 'Harry's Heroes: The Full English', Merson had an open conversation with Harry Redknapp concerning the ways substance abuse and gambling had impacted his life, reports Birmingham Live.

Merse opened up about his struggles, saying: "Addiction is the most lonely of places and I've had three of the worst types over three decades. Never be afraid to talk - you're never alone."

A TV insider commented: "Paul has absolutely owned his past and works every day to move forward. He has become a powerful voice seeking to help others with regular charity work and it's hoped he can show just how far he's come on the primetime show."

"But the timing will jar amid the current claims about toxic behaviour of some Strictly professionals."