'TROUBLED Paul Gascoigne was all set to replace Stan Collymore on the next I'm A Celebrity show, but pulled out when pals told him he had too many problems.
"I'm just not ready for this," said Gazza, an alcoholic who's also suffered mental health woes.
And, we can exclusively reveal, the soccer legend has also just suffered the heartache of seeing his tempestuous relationship with sweetheart Sheryl end for good.
ITV producers were keen to sign up Gazza after they dropped thuggish footballer Stan Collymore over his excessive pay demands and history of violence.
The 32-year-old ex-Liverpool striker, who beat up News of the World columnist Ulrika Jonsson when they were dating, was dropped because I'm A Celebrity bosses felt his mood swings and sulking would make for dull TV.
One insider said: "It would be career suicide for Collymore to go on that show. It would prove to the world what a p***k he is."
But after lengthy talks both Gazza and TV chiefs agreed Paul is too emotionally fragile.
The last thing telly bosses wanted was Gazza to crack up like Danniella Westbrook did in the last series.'
News Of The World, 11/01/04.
