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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Halina Watts

Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams pay £20k for Britain's Got Talent pal's rehab

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.

Simon Cowell will be assisting the stand-up (WireImage)

Cowell’s people have confirmed he will assist the troubled star.

And singer Robbie, 45, said: “I’m happy to pay for your rehab, 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.”

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