BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson shares 'hardest part' of being in the show

Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson has opened up about the challenges he's facing on the BBC show.

On Tuesday's It Takes Two, host Fleur East pointed out the stark contrast between his football career and the glitz of Strictly.

Host Fleur East wasted no time in quizzing the former Arsenal and England international on whether not not he's enjoying himself.

Paul hesitated before tentatively responding: "Yeah?"

The studio burst into laughter as he confessed: "You know what? I don't know that's the bit I find really hard, the showbizy bit.

"I'm a footballer, put your boot on, you get the job done."

Reflecting on Saturday's live show, he recalled how fellow contestants sang the Vindaloo song following his debut performance.

Paul remarked: "I find that- I'm like a little shy boy! Oh, stop it."

Yet, during the conversation, he revealed the touching reason behind his participation in the dance competition, reports the Mirror.

Fleur brought up his mother's love for the show and asked about her reaction to his performance.

Paul replied: "Yeah! My mum loved it, she absolutely loves it. If it wasn't for my dad I wouldn't of been a footballer.

"He gets all the credit but my mum, this is her favourite show so I said I'd go on it for my mum."

Viewers saw Paul and his dance partner Karen Hauer score 17 points for their American Smooth, placing them 14th on the leaderboard, tied with Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta.

This weekend will see the the pair take to the dancefloor for a fiery Salsa routine to the tune Fireball.

Discussing their upcoming performance, Karen admitted that Paul has a natural talent, noting his nimble hips and agility on the dance floor as they aim for top marks.

She revealed: "This is actually going to be a Salsa