Ant McPartlin has donated £2,500 to help a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ warm-up act go through rehab.
The 43-year-old television presenter – who recently went to rehab himself and took time away from the spotlight following a drink driving conviction – has reached out to help his friend Ian Royce raise the funds needed to enter a treatment facility to get much needed help for his addictions.
Ian, 50, struck up a friendship with Ant and his presenting partner Declan Donnelly as he is a regular feature on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ – which the duo host – as it his his job to keep the audiences entertained before the shows go out live.
Now, the entertainer – who also works on ‘The X Factor’ – is hoping to raise funds to help him attend The Priory, a £20,000 rehab centre, after he suffered a brain aneurysm when drunk and tried to take his own life.
Ant pledged £2,500 on Ian’s GoFundMe page, and his co-star Dec has matched the donation, making a total of £5,000 for the pair.
The GoFundMe page reads: "Ian is in desperate need of our help. He is an alcoholic and has taken his first steps by admitting so.
"Ian is currently being treated for a brain injury that he received whilst under the influence. He has advised that he is at his all time lowest and has even tried to take his own life. He needs our help! The priory is willing to treat Ian on a 28 day program for around £20,000. Additionally to this, treatment for his brain injury still needs to continue and be funded.
"Lets help get a great man his life back."
It has also been reported that Simon Cowell – who created and judges both shows Ian works on – and ‘X Factor’ judge Robbie Williams have also pledged money to the cause, but their donations have been made anonymously.
As of the time of writing, Ian’s page has raised almost £13,000 of the £20,000 goal, with 89 people having donated to the cause.
Ant McPartlin donates £2,500 for pal’s rehab
