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Jermaine's penance
Jermaine Pennant signs up for Celebrity Big Brother ‘to shake off bad boy image’
The 35-year-old footballer follows in the footsteps of Jamie O'Hara in taking part in the reality show
BAD boy footballer Jermaine Pennant has signed up for Celebrity Big Brother.
The ex Arsenal and Liverpool ace, 35, is desperate to prove he's a changed man on the reality show, which has an "eye of the storm" and "retribution" theme this year.
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Jermaine was in and out of trouble with the law throughout his playing career, including a spell in jail for drink-driving when he crashed a mate's Mercedes while already serving a ban.
Earlier this year he starred in a seedy sex cam video with his wife Alice Goodwin, 32, performing a sex act during a pay-per-view show, much to the shock of punters.
A source close to Jermaine says: "He wants to show everyone a different side and prove he's a changed man. Big Brother is his best chance to do that and he's looking forward to the experience and opportunity."
Speaking last year after signing for non-league Billericay Town, he said of his past: “You have a lot of money at such a young age — as well as the responsibilities and pleasures.
"You’re in the public eye and I was just enjoying it and not realising I was also a role model. But I’m different now.”
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Jermaine is the latest famous face to be revealed from the CBB line-up, joining actor Ryan Thomas, transgender journalist Paris Lees, Kirstie Alley, porn star Stormy Daniels, Towie's Dan Osborne and Love Island's Gabby Allen in the house.
Despite a career boasting England U-21 caps and an appearance in a Champion's League final for Liverpool against Milan, his career has been tainted by his off the field exploits.
In June 2007 he collapsed on a flight from Malaga to London Stansted after a 24-hour drinking session.
A month later he was arrested for a domestic bust-up with then girlfriend and Page 3 model Amii Grove. He went on to date Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe.
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Jermaine Pennant films himself while driving
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His father, Gary, was sentenced to four years in prison for drug dealing in 2008.
After a spell at Spanish club Real Zaragoza, Jermaine was hit with five months of parking fines when he abandoned a Porsche Turbo at a train station in January 2011.
In April 2012 he was sentenced again for drink-driving while disqualified after being involved in a traffic collision.
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