A bookmaker has dropped gambling addict and former Arsenal star Paul Merson from its advertising campaign.

Ian Hogg, managing director of Better, said the decision was made after the firm received "lots" of complaints.

Merson, 41, has fought a well-documented gambling addiction.

Mr Hogg told the show that he had responded to criticism of the move.

"We've received lots of complaints," he said.

But Mr Hogg stressed that he retained a good relationship with Merson.

"We like Paul a lot," he said. "I wouldn't want it to be seen in any way that we didn't want to work with Paul."

He said it was possible the firm would work with Merson over publicising an "anti problem-gambling message".