Football legend Neil 'Razor' Ruddock was called up to appear on Celebrity Big Brother to replace TV star Jim Davidson, it has emerged.

The former North School pupil, 44, was drafted in to star in the Channel 5 reality television show after the 59-year-old comedian was arrested on suspicion of committing sexual offences on Wednesday.

Mr Ruddock, who lives in the Kingsnorth area, played professional football for a host of clubs including Millwall, Tottenham, Southampton, Liverpool, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swindon before retiring in 2003. He was also capped for England once.

On entering the house he said: “I’m an absolute living legend... I’ve had a bit of a controversial past with a reputation to train hard and party hard. I love the lads and the banter we have down the pub.

“I have a room in my house where only blokes are allowed, except my wife when she’s hoovering.”

Other contestants on the show include former jockey Frankie Dettori, singer Claire Richards from Steps, actress Gillian Taylforth who played Kathy Beale on Eastenders and Rylan Clark from this year’s X Factor.

Mr Ruddock is known locally as “Jacko” because he used to walk around with a little toy monkey when he was younger.

He was part of the Liverpool squad in the 1990s infamously known as the “Spice Boys” alongside David James, Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore.

After leaving football, he had been in demand as an after dinner speaker and has made TV appearances on A Question of Sport, Celebrity Come Dine With Me and I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here.

He is a patron of Ashford United Youth Academy and his nephew plays in the academy set up.