Paul Gascoigne stepped in to help Celebrity Traitors star after he was physically attacked

Paul Gascoigne revealed his true character after coming to the aid of Celebrity Traitors star David Olusoga during a school incident. The former England international attended the same school as the TV historian and became his unexpected saviour during a difficult moment.

Olusoga shared details about his childhood on Desert Island Discs in 2021, revealing his family endured racial harassment following their move from Nigeria. The 55-year-old relocated to Gateshead with his mother as a youngster and found himself at the same school as the former Newcastle legend. Recalling the surprising encounter with Gazza, Olusoga said: "My older sister, Yinka, was three years ahead of me and in her class was Paul Gascoigne. I have one memory of Paul, one strong memory.

"Which is of lying on my back having been pushed over and hit in the playground and this kid with light-coloured hair and very bright blue eyes leaned over, he was beside my sister and he gave me his hand and he pulled me up.

"He must have been maybe nine, I must've been maybe six or seven, something like that. He was one of the tough kids, you won't be surprised to learn. It wasn't really in his interest to be looking after this couple of black kids. And I'm very grateful for that."

The Celebrity Traitors contestant confessed his family had been terrorised by the National Front, who had even forced them to flee their home during the night after shattering their windows.

However, a particular incident with Gascoigne revealed the true nature of the Geordie footballer - an encounter he still recalls to this day.

During a 2020 interview with The Mirror, Gazza said: "I was only young but I do remember. I hated bullies and I did not like what was happening."

Now, Olusoga is set to team up with fellow Faithfuls Joe Marler and Nick Mohammed in a bid to unmask the Traitors in the BBC show's Thursday finale. Alan Carr and Cat Burns will strive to keep the other celebrities guessing - and it's likely that Gazza will be cheering on his childhood mate in the final episode.