Cowell and Robbie pay for BGT pal’s £20k rehab
X Factor pair back warm-up star in his battle against alcoholism
AN X Factor warm-up man battling alcohol addiction is having his treatment paid for by his celebrity pals.
Show judges Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams have joined singing star Olly Murs to help foot the bill for Ian Royce’s rehab.
The 50- year-old – who is a regular on the ITV show as well as Britain’s Got Talent – suffered a brain aneurysm when drunk and even tried to kill himself. Now Ian, who entertains TV audiences before the shows go out live, has appealed for help via GoFundMe to raise £20,000 to attend rehab centre, The Priory.
Cowell’s people have confirmed he will assist the troubled star.
And singer Robbie, 45, said: “I’m happy to pay for your rehab, SUPERSTAR singer Ed Sheeran has found the Perfect place to have a pint... his own pub.
His celebrity pals flocked to the opening night of Bertie Blossoms – the West London bar 28-year-old Ed co-owns with manager Stuart Camp. Model Abbey Clancy, 33, enjoyed a glass of champagne or two while her footie star husband Peter Crouch, 38 – who is used to hitting the bar... on the pitch, that is – was spotted supping Guinness.
Also at the shindig were Ed’s wife Cherry Seaborn, 27, and his dad John.
The pub is within walking distance of the singer’s pad in Notting Hill.
And, just Thinking Out Loud, that’s ideal if Ed wants One for the road. consider it done.” Murs, 35, also donated £ 2,000 to Roycey’s appeal.
He wrote online: “Roycey, stay strong, my friend.”
The GoFundMe page, set up by a pal, says: “Ian is in desperate need of our help. He is an alcoholic and has taken his first steps by admitting so.”
The Priory has agreed to treat him on a 28-day programme. After the online donations hit £6,665, Ian said: “I have a lot of s*** to get rid of. Happy now thanks to Robbie and all the people that have donated. I’ve hope.”
halina.watts @mirror.co.uk