For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of
BBC handout photo of Karen Hauer and Paul Merson, during their appearance on the live show on Saturday for BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. Issue date: Saturday September 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing fans are buzzing with speculations that one of the celeb is not thrilled to be on the dance floor, as keen viewers claim Paul Merson seems less than delighted. The former football ace and current dancer on Strictly, Paul, has been caught looking a tad ‘unhappy’ by viewers, as he teamed up with professional Karen Hauer. During the show’s debut this weekend (Saturday 21 September), Paul entertained us with an American Smooth choreographed to the footie tune ‘Vindaloo’, known for its links to football fandom. Fans have taken to Twitter to voice their suspicions, with one posting: “Paul really doesn’t want to be there!” Amid his chat with the iconic duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, Merse his affectionate moniker wasn’t all smiles about his outfit choice.
Viewers were concerned Paul looked miserable after his first Strictly dance
(Image: No credit)
Rumours swirl that he’s not exactly chuffed dancing to a track tied to rowdy fan behaviour. Echoing the sentiment, another viewer tweeted: “I just said the same thing to my OH – are they blackmailing him to be here or something!” Paul and his partner Karen wowed with their dances to Fat Les’s 90s anthem. While sympathies flew in like, “I love Paul Merson but he is not happy with that score! ” others rallied support: “Right! I’m voting for Paul Merson every week now after that ‘vindaloo’ music stitch up and encourage everyone to do the same.”, reports Birmingham Live. One fan put it bluntly: “When someone agrees to do this show, you should treat them with respect not make them a laughing stock IN THE FIRST WEEK.”
Karen has broken her silence about dancing with Paul Merson to Vindaloo
(Image: Karen Hauer Instagram)
Sign up to OK!’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free Unfortunately for Paul and Karen, they found themselves near the bottom of the scoreboard after the show kicked off. When he was chatting to Claudia after his performence, he said: “That’s what we look like. On a cruise ship…on a cruise ship. Look! Seriously! We look like we work on a boat.” Claudia gleefully responded, “We are ready to go on that cruise with you. Are you ready? How are you feeling about this dance?”. Paul casually answered, “Oh yeah, alright. Yeah.” Karen has since taken to social media to share a message with fans, praising Paul for his efforts and reiterating her delight at having the football pundit as her celebrity dance partner this year.
Karen and Paul came bottom of the leaderboard following their dance
(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Posting snaps of the duo in action, as well as a post-show picture with Karen’s rugby star beau Simon Davidson and Paul’s wife Kate Merson, Karen wrote: “Not only was last night fun but this guy is the real deal! Focused, hard-working and committed… whilst at the same time bringing a sense of humour and enjoyment to the whole process. I couldn’t be happier to have Merse as my partner. See you all next Saturday.”
Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnClaudia WinklemanTess DalyStrictly Come Dancing
