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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Paul Gascoigne to open up about fame and turbulent personal life in new documentary

Paul Gascoigne is set to star in a new documentary looking back on the highs and lows of his life.

The former footballer has returned to the headlines of late thanks to son Regan Gascoigne's stint on ITV show Dancing On Ice.

Paul, 54, will be the subject of a brand new two-part show, titled Gazza.

The BBC2 special will examine the former Newcastle United player's incredible career in football, but also his turbulent personal life and battle with addiction.

Considered "the most naturally talented English footballer of his generation", Gazza became a legend in the eyes of football fans thanks to his rollercoaster journey at the Italia 90 World Cup.

The County Durham lad famously burst into tears on the pitch when a booking in England's semi-final against West Germany ruled him out of a possible final appearance, with teammate Gary Lineker looking on with concern.

Gazza will be an in-depth look into the life of Paul Gascoigne on and off the pitch (Getty Images)
Gazza during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, when he became a national treasure (Getty Images)

Off the pitch, Paul has publicly struggled with addiction issues and heartbreak in his private relationships.

"This is the real story of my time in football - the good and the bad of who I am and what really happened around me," the England legend said of his upcoming documentary.

"So much of this has never been seen before. It feels good to be telling my side of the story and to be working with the Western Edge Pictures team and the BBC, who have delivered this in the best way possible to my fans."

Gazza is full involved in the new BBC documentary (Getty Images)

Gazza will include footage and contribution from the former Rangers player's friends and family, agents, advisers, ex-team-mates, as well as journalists who wrote about his turbulent career at the time.

In addition to his battles with the booze, Paul's complicated family life will also be examined in the documentary.

The former footballer long-time girlfriend Sheryl Failes in July 1996 and adopted her two children from a previous marriage, Mason and Bianca.

Before their divorce in 1999, Paul and Sheryl welcomed son Regan Gascoigne into the world.

Paul with Sheryl and children Mason and Bianca back in 1996 (Rex)

Over the years, the Dancing On Ice star and the footballing legend have had a complicated relationship at times.

Speaking in Channel 4 documentary called 'Surviving Gazza' which aired in 2009, a 12-year-old Regan said: "He's probably going to die soon. I don't think there's any point helping him. We're wasting our time.

"If I could wish, I would wish that he would go away from us."

He added: "Everyone thinks he's Gazza but because he's the top player doesn't mean he's a good dad or a good person to be with, does it, really?"

Paul, Sheryl and a young Regan in 2002 (PA)

At the time, Gazza hit out at Channel 4 bosses and Sheryl for allowing the documentary to be made and for having his pre-teen son be interviewed.

However, since the show aired, relationships have been mended, and the dad-of-three has been supporting his youngest as he takes tries his hand at skating for Dancing On Ice.

"The past is the past. He’s my dad, I’ll always love him and he’ll always love me no matter what," Regan has said of his relationship with his father in the past.

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