PICK OF TODAY’S TV

PAUL MERSON: A WALK THROUGH MY LIFE, 8PM, BBC2

PAUL MERSON reached the pinaccle of his profession back in the 1990s — the footballer scored 78 goals for Arsenal, becoming a firm fan favourite over his 12 seasons at Highbury as he helped the Gunners to two League titles, as well as FA Cup and League Cup wins, and also earned 21 England caps. All the while, though, Paul (pictured) was battling his addictions to alcohol and gambling. He has always been brutally honest about his personal struggles — it was back in 1994 that he first spoke candidly about his compulsive drinking and gambling, when the FA arranged for him to undergo a three-month rehab programme, and in last November’s BBC documentary Football, Gambling & Me, he was still striving to understand how his addictions were able to hold him in their grip for so many years. In this enlightening and at times poignant film, Paul, now a popular pundit, opens up about his demons once more as he walks through the North Yorkshire countryside carrying a 360-degree camera to record his every move. But as he reflects on his life and career, he also discusses the power of his faith, and the role religion plays in his life and recovery, revealing how love and hope have guided him through his darkest days.