Paul Gascoigne and David Olusoga went to the same school in Gateshead and the former England international was the TV historian’s unlikely hero during a tense moment
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
19:30, 06 Nov 2025
Paul Gascoigne showed his softer side during a bullying incident at school(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Paul Gascoigne revealed his compassionate side after coming to the aid of Celebrity Traitors star David Olusoga during a troubling incident at school.
The former England midfielder attended the same school as the television historian and became an unexpected protector during a difficult moment. Olusoga opened up about his childhood during an appearance on Desert Island Discs in 2021 and revealed his family endured racist abuse 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 player. 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.”
David Olusoga recalled his childhood and his surprise encounter with Gazza(Image: Antony Jones/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
The Celebrity Traitors finalist disclosed his family had been targeted by the National Front and had even been forced to flee their home during the night after their windows were smashed. However, this particular moment with Gascoigne revealed the true character of the Geordie footballer – an encounter he still recalls to this day.
In 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 join fellow Faithfuls Joe Marler and Nick Mohammed in Thursday’s finale of the BBC programme, aiming to uncover the Traitors.
Alan Carr and Cat Burns will aim to continue baffling the other celebrities – and it’s likely that Gazza will be cheering on his childhood friend in the final episode.
