Paul Merson claims Kylie Minogue turned him down at the Brit Awards

Former Arsenal star is now married to Kate Merson, with whom he shares three children

Maanya Sachdeva
Saturday 14 January 2023 11:08 EST
Comments
Kylie Minogue and Paul Merson
Kylie Minogue and Paul Merson (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paul Merson has claimed he was once turned down by his “celebrity crush” Kylie Minogue.

In a new interview, the Sky Sports football pundit – who began his career at Arsenal – was asked who is celebrity crush is.

In response, Merson, 54, told The Guardian: “Years ago, I was at the Brit awards and asked Kylie Minogue out.

“She said no,” he added.

Merson is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife. He became a father for the eighth time in January 2021, when she gave birth to their third child together.

Prior to his marriage with Kate in 2016, Merson was married to Louise Bache. The former couple share twin girls.

The ex-footballer also shares three children with his first wife Lorraine.

During his conversation with The Guardian, Merson also briefly spoke about his past struggles with drug, gambling, and alcohol addiction, adding that “going back” to it was his greatest fear.

Merson is an ambassador for Recoverlution, an online platform for people in recovery.

Elsewhere, Merson said eating a “whole tub” of Ben & Jerry’s is his guiltiest pleasure, adding: “That’s the addict in me”.

When asked what the most expensive thing he’s ever bought, aside from property, Merson replied: “Thirty-odd years ago I bought a black pinstripe suit which I thought was £900. But when I went to pay that was just the jacket – the trousers and waistcoat were extra.

“I didn’t have the balls to put anything back. I dread to think how much it cost me in the end.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in