Soccer AM legend Peter ‘Tubes’ Dale has described the extent of his alcoholism during the show’s heyday and how he managed to overcome it.

Having first joined the long-running Saturday morning show as an assistant producer, Tubes became one of the most loved on-air stars for his comedic timing and hilarious celebrity questions.

But during that time, he has admitted that he struggled with alcoholism, before he was finally able to kick the habit.

Appearing alongside his former co-stars on the Mail Sport podcast Soccer AZ, the 42-year-old revealed that at the height of his problems he had been forced to plan his life both inside and outside of work around the addiction.

“My whole life, the last few years of drinking, was planned around drinking.” he said.

“So I would look at what interviews I had, what Chelsea fixture list, and everything would be like, I can drink and then I can drink.”

Former football AM star Tubes has detailed the extent of his alcoholism before he got sober

Tubes was one of the key figures in the long-running Sky Sports program in its heyday alongside current Soccer AZ hosts Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy

During his time at Soccer, AM Tubes revealed that he would hide his addiction from his colleagues

“So I would always, if I was going out to the pub, go to the off-licence beforehand and buy lots of little vodkas to keep me going when last order rang, but also until the next morning.

‘I got up in the morning and just down the vodka to get back on a level. It was a really strong addiction, and I’m so glad I decided to stop.’

Helen Chamberlain revealed that during their time working together she had tried to broach the subject with Tubes, only to be rebuffed.

“I mean, alcoholics are very, very good liars,” Tubes continued.

“I just lied for years. I remember you asking, and I was always careful that I smelled because I’d been drinking in the morning.

“Some of the mornings you picked me up I’d had a few vodkas to keep things level. But I’d lie. I’d lie every week, like I have so many tactics too to cover it up.

“It got to the point where, when dad died, I’d move back to mum’s house to take care of mum, but if I’d forgotten my vodka until the next morning, if I’d gone out the night before, I’d find ways to get back the alcohol in the house.

“I’d leave early doors. I’d get up at half past five, look under the bed and say ‘oh no, there’s no vodka’ or ‘there’s no beer’.

The 42-year-old Chelsea superfan admitted that at the height of his problem he would go on a free license immediately after waking up

“So I go to free pass, the poor lady would just say, “you’re back again. I know what you want.”

So I used to, like, wear football socks and, like, take the football straps, you know, you take the socks and put vodka in the football sock, because obviously my mom knew I had a problem, so she’d be looking through the bag, but I would have so many things to bring back vodka in the house.

‘You lie all the time like an alcoholic, because that’s what you care about. So yes, it was exhausting.’

After years of addiction, Tubes revealed that he realized he had reached an ultimatum and needed to make a change.

He continued: ‘I stopped, completely stopped. I went to an AA meeting, which as I always say, helps millions all over the world.

“But for me personally, when the guest speaker came and told about what happened to him through alcohol. I thought, “this is what will happen to me. I will lose everything.”

So it really helps. But I didn’t really like the second one. I just didn’t think it would help me. I figured if I don’t take that first drink all hell won’t break loose afterwards. So that’s how I live. Don’t touch the first one.’

When asked what he would recommend for others in a similar situation, Tubes emphasized the need to rely on others for support.

The Tubes were a fan favorite on Soccer AM before leaving Sky after more than two decades last year

“Talk to people, let people know how you feel,” he added.

‘Let people know you have a problem, because you’d be surprised at the support you get when you admit you have a problem.

“The amount of people now telling me ‘good job’, like on social media or my friends.

“If you’re fighting on your own, it’s going to be a lot harder. So a problem shared is a problem halved. So I’m talking to people, make sure we the people know you’re fighting.’

For support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch or go to the Samaritans website.