Paul Gascoigne says he’s become a ‘better person’ as he’s crowned winner of Scared of the Dark

‘People always question my mental strength but my success on this series proves that I am strong,’ said former footballer

Former England footballer Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne has become the first ever winner of experimental Channel 4 reality show Scared of the Dark.

Gascoigne came out on top over seven other celebrities, after spending 180 hours in complete darkness – living, eating, sleeping and completing challenges.

The series, billed as a “world first”, came to a close on Thursday (20 April) with the winner announced by host Danny Dyer.

Following his win, Gascoigne said he had been “nervous” to take part but said the experience had made him “a better person”.

“People always question my mental strength but my success on this series proves that I am strong,” he said.

“I was nervous going in there but having gotten this far on the series made me the happiest man around.

“I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable. I’ve got my smile back. I’m a better person.”

Read The Independent’s review of the series here.

Other stars taking part in the debut series included Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt, former boxers Chris Eubank and Nicola Adams, blind comedian Chris McCausland, actor and comedian Donna Preston, Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, and Max George from boyband The Wanted.

Burrows, Moffatt and Preston hug Gascoigne (Channel 4)

During the course of the show, aired on five consecutive nights, the team endured the mounting psychological pressures of light deprivation while taking on the “faceless” challenges.

Failing challenges resulted in the loss of further privileges, although wins earned them treats and precious time in the light. The contestants could leave the show whenever they wanted by declaring: “I’m scared of the dark”.

All of the celebrities were monitored by psychologist Dr T, who was on hand to explain the emotional and psychological effects of the experience.

After Gascoigne was declared the winner, his fellow contestants praised him for his “openness”.

“The way that he has been so open about his emotions and talking about his mental health, I feel like that’s probably the most remarkable thing that’s happened,” former Love Islander Burrows said.

Actor Preston said: “This journey for him has been really, really hard and I think he just needs to be really proud of himself.”

Gascoigne also praised his fellow celebrities, adding: “I’m really honoured to have won but in my eyes, all my fellow Scared of the Dark celebrities are winners.

“They all did really well and I really enjoyed spending those eight days getting to know them in the dark. We worked so well as a team.”

The final episode of Scared of the Dark aired on Thursday on Channel 4, with all five episodes available to watch via All4.

Additional reporting by Press Association