Paul Gascoigne makes hilarious surprise appearance in Rangers FC’s Christmas advert – as legendary midfielder is forced to do the washing up

Paul Gascoigne has made a hilarious surprise appearance in Rangers Football Club’s Christmas advert.

The legendary midfielder – affectionately known as Gazza – played for the Scottish team in the 1990s.

While playing for Rangers, he helped the club to two league titles, a Scottish Cup and a Scottish League Cup.

The 56-year-old has now made a sensational comeback for the 2023 festive season, although he was left grim-faced as he had to do the dishes after Christmas dinner.

The advert started next to a Christmas tree decorated with the club’s signature blue colours.

Icon: The 56-year-old midfielder joined old and new teammates for a very festive Christmas dinner

The team’s current players – including captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland – are seen enjoying Christmas dinner.

Other former club legends also returned, including Kenny Miller, John Brown and Barry Ferguson.

But as they ate crackers and their turkey, one seat remained empty.

A final figure walked into the room, hidden behind a giant pile of presents.

They were slowly pulled away to reveal none other than Gazza himself, brandishing a cheeky grin as his teammates let out a roar of cheer.

However, there remained one final twist: after the stars enjoyed their meal, it was Gazza who was tasked with doing the dishes.

Fans were delighted with the legend’s return, with one person on social media saying: ‘No joke, that was actually a nice surprise, it definitely made me smile’, while another said: ‘Great to see Gazza looking good .’

A third said: ‘I don’t know about the others but seeing Gazza was at the top of the video for me.’

Classic: Gazza flashed a cheeky smile as his shocked appearance was revealed

At the time: Gazza in his Rangers kit during a match against Dundee United, 1997

Excitement: Fans were excited about the legend’s return for the ad

Gazza publicly battled mental health issues and alcohol addiction following his years on the football field.

The English legend even paid £20,000 to have anti-booze pellets put into his stomach in a bid to stop drinking.

Paul, who has played 57 times for his country, has been to rehab seven times and was covered by the Mental Health Act in 2008 and 2014.

Earlier this year he made a foray into reality television, appearing on Channel 4’s Scared Of The Dark.

In January 2020, Paul appeared on This Morning, where he told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: “I had a relapse at Christmas which left me devastated but I’ve just got back on track.”

The same month, he said The mirror: ‘I went to Australia and spent £20,000, including all the travelling, to have an operation to stop me drinking.

‘You get granules in your stomach and if you get too many you get nauseous.

‘It means you can have a beer or a glass of wine and have a nice chat, but no more.’