Paul Merson is set to become a dad for the eighth time, with wife Lisa expected to give birth later today.
The Sky Sports pundit revealed the news during Soccer Saturday and viewers were made to believe he was making a mad dash to the hospital.
Merson, 52, shared the news during the first-half of the game he was covering, Norwich vs Barnsley.
Host Jeff Stelling then joked that the Arsenal favourite had to leave the studio in order to be present at the birth.
However, that was quickly revealed to be a practical joke, with Merson returning to his position after a toilet break.
Merson has had children with his two previous wives Lorraine and Louise.
Son Sam, 25, has followed his dad’s lead and is attempting to forge his own football career. He was playing for National League South side St Alban’s last season, but was released in June of this year.
Merson is the longest running pundit on Sky Sports News’ flagship show after Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were axed before the start of the season.
In a major shake-up the three former footballers were made aware of the decision, with bosses hoping to freshen up the weekly show.
Reports claimed that Merson was close to quitting the show and Stelling made his feelings known, labelling it the ‘saddest day’ he had experience with the broadcaster.
Shortly after the news broke, Stelling tweeted: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
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