Unflinching TV documentary of Gazza’s life

Jan 3 2009 by Paul James, The Journal

TROUBLED Paul Gascoigne yesterday said drink and drugs nearly killed him in 2008, which he described as his worst year ever.

In an interview with a national newspaper, the former Newcastle and England star said he was on the last of his lives.

Gazza said: This is my last chance. My mate Jimmy Five Bellies says Ive got more lives than a cat and hes right. But this is my last one.

This is my last chance 2008 was a terrible year for me, my worst year ever.

The drink and drugs nearly killed me, not once but a few times. And getting sectioned was the worst thing ever.

I know I can never drink again otherwise it will kill me.

An unflinching documentary entitled Saving Gazza, and described as a moving account of what it is like for his family to cope with an alcoholic, mentally ill father, will be shown on Channel 4 on Monday.

Gazzas son Regan features in the programme, saying: If I could wish, I would wish that he would go away from us. Hes probably going to die soon.

Everyone thinks hes Gazza but because hes the top player doesnt mean hes a good dad or good person to be with, does it really?

I dont think theres any point in helping him. Hes my dad. He should have helped and seen me all these years. I dont want to waste all my tears on him. I feel bad and sorry for him because hes in this kind of state but its not our fault.

Gazza described his sons taking part as beyond belief, adding: Im not going to watch the programme.

He said he did not blame Regan: He is my son and I love him and I always will.

Gazza said: It is beyond belief that a TV documentary has allowed an interview with a kid of 12 to be broadcast like this.

How can a 12-year-old understand the things Ive gone through?

I dont blame him one bit. He is my son and I love him and I always will.

In the show, Gazza admits he has a host of problems.

He says: Ive got food disorder, bipolar, mood swings, anxiety. I drank when I was happy, I drank when I was sad.

Gazza has now reportedly been off alcohol for a month and is undergoing a fitness regime.

A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said: The film is an intimate portrait of the Gascoigne family as they struggle to cope with an alcoholic and mentally ill father and ex-husband.

The filming took place over last summer and reveals the heartache, chaos and fear that Sheryl (Gascoignes ex-wife) and the children face every day.

The film was made with the full co-operation of Sheryl and the children.

They have seen the final film and are happy with the way their story has been told.