BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'doesn't want to be there' and 'so unhappy'

Paul performed a football-themed American Smooth to Vindaloo during the opening night of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing star "doesn't want to be there" and is "so unhappy" on the show, according to eagle-eyed fans. Fans of the BBC show have suggested Paul Merson, the former Aston Villa FC, Arsenal FC and England football star, is fed up already.

Strictly's Paul Merson has been accused of looking 'unhappy' on the show as he dances with pro Karen Hauer. Paul performed a football-themed American Smooth to Vindaloo during the opening night of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

Sharing their thoughts online, one Twitter/X user said: "Paul really doesn’t want to be there!" During his interview with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, Merse - as he is commonly nicknamed - complained about his costume.

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There were also reports he was unhappy performing to a song commonly associated with hooliganism. Another agreed: "I just said the same thing to my OH - are they blackmailing him to be here or something!" Paul and Karen performed an American Smooth to the 90s football anthem from Fat Les.

Another said: "I love Paul Merson but he is not happy with that score!" Another typed: "Right! I’m voting for Paul Merson every week now after that ‘vindaloo’ music stitch up and encourage everyone to do the same.

"When someone agrees to do this show, you should treat them with respect not make them a laughing stock IN THE FIRST WEEK." Paul and Karen came second bottom of the leaderboard during the opening night of the show.

"That's what we look like. On a cruise ship...on a cruise ship. Look! Seriously!" Paul said, moaning about his costume. He laughed: "We look like we work on a boat." Claudia replied: "We are ready to go on that cruise with you. Are you ready? How are you feeling about this dance?"

He replied: "Oh yeah, alright. Yeah."