Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, the renowned football legend, has disclosed how Harry Redknapp’s TV series became instrumental in transforming his life.

The ex-Liverpool defender initially thought he was experiencing dementia, but later found that he was facing a serious heart condition, with doctors indicating he may have only two months to live.

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At the age of 56, Ruddock has made significant lifestyle changes and decreased his alcohol intake, crediting much of his transformation to Harry Redknapp’s show ‘Harry’s Heroes’.

In a discussion with Nigel Farage on GB News, he remarked: “From the time I left school until I reached 35, others dictated my daily routines.

“I was given instructions on what I could eat and drink; it all changed when I hit 35.

“After my football career ended, I received no guidance. I ended up leading a lifestyle like an 18-year-old eager to retire at 35 and indulge, eventually weighing in at 28 and a half stone.

“While participating in the Harry’s Heroes show, I began feeling faint. Discussions regarding dementia in football became prevalent due to heading the ball.

“I thought, ‘this might be dementia.’ After consulting multiple specialists, I found out it was a heart issue; they informed me that if I continued as I was, I had just two months left to live.

“That moment was a pivotal turning point; my heart had to be stopped and restarted. I received a pacemaker and opted for gastric sleeve surgery because I had essentially given up on myself.

“If it weren’t for that show, I believe I wouldn’t be here today.”

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The acclaimed documentary series debuted in 2020.

It tasked Redknapp with helping a group of out-of-shape England football legends from the 1990s to return to competitive form.

Neil Ruddock and Paul Merson dispute Merson’s drinking habits in Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh

The cast included several familiar faces, such as David Seaman, Paul Merson, and Matt Le Tissier, all eager to prove they could still compete on the field against their former rivals Germany, even at their age.

Audiences saw these former stars, who came from an era of more lenient football training and diets, adapt to a strict new regimen on fitness and nutrition, akin to that of current professionals.

Former Liverpool player and 2018 ‘King of the Jungle’ assistant John Barnes successfully led them to a 4-2 victory.

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Ruddock, who earned one cap for England during his time as a player, shared his heart scare experience with fellow show participants during one episode.

Redknapp had previously coached Ruddock during his tenure at West Ham in the late 1990s.

When asked for advice to others worried about their health, he stated: “See a doctor. It’s free.

“If your car makes strange sounds, you would take it to a mechanic for repair.

“If you’re feeling unwell, visit a doctor; many men hesitate to do this.

“Receiving bad news may prevent you from enjoying football on a Saturday night.

“Don’t delay; have yourself checked. It costs you nothing.”

Earlier this year, Ruddock discussed his incredible 11-stone weight loss journey.

This transformation began in 2021 after he met TV personality James Argent.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, he had reached 27st, putting his health at risk.

Throughout his 17-year career, Ruddock made 195 Premier League appearances and played for clubs including Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham, Southampton, and Crystal Palace.

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