ITV is to broadcast an intimate one-off documentary on the real Paul Gascoigne through his own words and those closest to him.
From a schoolboy with an extraordinary talent in a working class district of Newcastle, ‘Gazza’ went on to become a global footballing legend and national treasure.
But since his iconic days making headlines on the international football stage, Gascoigne has been gracing the front pages for entirely more tragic reasons, namely his 15-year battle with alcoholism and addiction.
Over a three-month period, Gascoigne has given cameras unprecedented access to his private life for this one-off ITV documentary, which portrays the real Paul Gascoigne through his own words and the words of the people closest to him.
The documentary was filmed after his return from a treatment clinic in the United States where he overheard doctors say he might die.
Despite his very public flaws, Gascoigne remains one of the most talented and loved footballers of his generation.
The film presents an intimate insight into his life, as he opens the door to the day to day reality of his turbulent world to cameras for the first time.
Following his life-threatening relapse earlier this year through to recovery and a more recent relapse, Gascoigne attempts to help other sufferers by sharing his experiences.
Whilst doing so, he is also trying to rebuild his relationship with ex-wife Sheryl, son Regan and step-daughter Bianca.
He shares his constant struggle to stay sober, the demons he battles every day and his hopes and fears for the future.
Gascoigne acknowledges the impact his illness has had on the people around him and that he is now in the last chance saloon.
From his relationships with his family in Newcastle and his lifelong friendship with Jimmy ‘Five Bellies’ Gardner, to his new life in Bournemouth and the friendships he has forged with the counsellors from his rehab centre, Paul’s close family members and friends also share their experiences.
As well as including interviews with his parents, ex-wife Sheryl and children Regan and Bianca, Gascoigne himself speaks in detail about his life as an alcoholic and his hopes for the future.
The 46-year-old told the filmmakers: “I don’t know why I’m an alcoholic, I wish I wasn’t but I am…I have my bad days, I just tell myself I’ve got to get through it.
“But if I’m having a good day I really make the most of it. Because I don’t know what tomorrow brings. Or the next five minutes.”
Earlier this year, Gascoigne spoke for the first time on UK television about his recent problems in an interview with ITV’s Daybreak (see video below).
He told presenters Lorraine Kelly and Aled Jones that he has “loads to offer” and is “enjoying life” after spending time in rehab for alcohol addiction.
‘Being Paul Gascoigne’ airs on ITV at 9.00pm on Tuesday, September 24.
Watch online via ITV Player shortly afterwards
