Paul Merson to Miss Soccer Saturday as He Joins Strictly Come Dancing

Paul Merson, the well-known pundit and former Arsenal star, will be absent from Soccer Saturday for parts of the early 2024/25 Premier League season due to his participation in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Merson, who has been a staple of the show since 2006, could potentially miss up to 12 weeks if he progresses to the final of the popular dance competition, leaving fans disappointed. Despite his absence on Saturdays, Merson will continue to contribute to midweek shows and remain part of Sky Sports' extensive football coverage. His long-standing partnership with the channel, which began nearly two decades ago, will not be affected by his new venture. Fans can still expect to see him during the week, ensuring his presence in the football community remains strong. In a recent appearance on The One Show, Merson candidly discussed his lack of dancing experience, revealing he has only danced three times in his life. He expressed relief at the public announcement of his participation, stating, "I don't like lying," and shared his determination to give his best effort in the competition, emphasizing his competitive spirit. In related news, Sky Sports has introduced a new deal that significantly reduces the price of its sports packages, offering savings of £216 and access to 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. This move aims to enhance viewer engagement as the new football season approaches.