Paul Merson has left Harry's Heroes viewers in tears after breaking down when he revealed he is 'struggling badly' with a relapse of his gambling addiction.
The 50-year-old midfielder, who has also now gone back to Alcoholics Anonymous, notoriously lost £7million on alcohol, drugs and gambling in the 1990s.
Merson, who played for clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, told producers on the ITV documentary he was 'struggling badly' with life, adding: 'Life's fallen apart - gambling.
'I've just completely lost control, I've completely, again. I'm digging a hole - I can't get out of it. It's the worst addiction in the world.'
His honesty triggered an emotional reaction from viewers, one of whom wrote: 'Ahh who else just wants to hug him. The raw emotion was painful to watch.'
An emotional Paul Merson wiped away tears in ITV documentary Harry's Heroes: The Full English, which aired yesterday and Monday
His honesty triggered an emotional reaction from viewers, one of whom wrote: 'Ahh who else just wants to hug him. The raw emotion was painful to watch'
The married father-of-six said his life 'should be like, two lovely kids, a lovely wife and my life should be good - and it's literally going like that, and I mean quickly and worryingly'.
Siân Patrick praised Merson's bravery, tweeting: 'Loving #Harrysfullenglish again tonight. Paul Merson has some guts to break down like that on the programme & reveal his gambling addiction.'
Ian Roberts wrote: 'Feel for Paul Merson there. Credit to him for facing his demons head on.'
Che McCarthy said: 'Whatever you think of his football or his punditry, have to hope Paul Merson can get on the straight and narrow.'
Another viewer praised Merson for showing to others 'they're not alone'.
Joanne Green: 'In light of recent events Paul Merson speaking out will help so many men and women you're not alone.'
Others said Merson's honesty had helped show others who are struggling that they are not alone
Siobhan Enwright said: 'My heart goes out to Paul Merson - any sort of addiction is hard but I think gambling must be the worst as it’s the easiest to hide.'
Gary B wrote: 'It's been hard to Paul Merson go through all his gambling struggles again. I hope The Magic Man is pulling through strong.'
And another viewer added: 'Confess I wasn’t expecting much from #HarrysFullEnglish when I stumbled on it yesterday, but it’s been a revelation.
'Huge credit to all involved & to #PaulMerson in particular. Clearly going through hell at times. Takes a brave person to confront their demons, esp. on camera.'
Merson, who is most famous for his time with Arsenal where he scored 78 goals in 327 games, placed his first bet at the age of 16 with his Gunners pay packet.
The Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit revealed that he was still being given credit and being allowed to bet by bookmakers despite his well-publicised addictions.
The former Arsenal player has had a host of addictions. He is pictured doing a drinking celebration after an FA Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur on April 4, 1993
Merson is pictured with his now ex-wife Lorraine and their sons Charlie, Ben and Sam at home in St Albans,
