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PAUL MERSON is to become a dad again later today aged 52.

The Sky Sports pundit revealed during today's Soccer Saturday that his wife Kate is due to give birth to his eighth child.

Merson revealed his big news live on air
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Merson revealed his big news live on air
Merson was reporting on the Norwich-Barnsley match
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Merson was reporting on the Norwich-Barnsley match

Viewers were made to believe that the former Arsenal hero was scrambling to leave the studio at half-time in order to be at the birth.

Merson revealed the news during the first-half, as he kept fans updated on his personal life, as well as the Norwich-Barnsley game.

And then, following an ad break, Stelling told viewers that Merson had rushed off to be at the birth.

But it turned out not to be true, as Merson had really just popped to the toilet, rather than made a dash for the hospital.

But wife Kate is set to give birth later today.

Merson has had children with his two previous wives Lorraine Costin and Louise.

Son Sam, from his first marriage, has opted to follow his father into football.

The 25-year-old played for St Albans last season, before being released in June 2020.

Paul Merson is to be a proud father of eight
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Paul Merson is to be a proud father of eightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Merson first became a father while still in his playing days
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Merson first became a father while still in his playing daysCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Merse's son Sam has gone on to play in Non-League
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Merse's son Sam has gone on to play in Non-LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
The Merson family will grow again
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The Merson family will grow againCredit: Rex Features
Merson is a popular regular on Soccer Saturday
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Merson is a popular regular on Soccer SaturdayCredit: Rex Features

Merson was the only regular to survive Soccer Saturday's shake-up for this season, such is his popularity with fans of the show.

He also drew praise following his appearance on Harry's Heroes back in 2019.

Fans were impressed with how candidly Merson talked about his battles with his gambling and cocaine addictions, and his mental health.

Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson get emotional as they make up after blazing row on Harry's Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh