News

Simon Cowell ‘contributes to fundraiser for X Factor friend’s rehab’

Robbie Williams is also believed to have donated

Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams have dug deep to help an X Factor friend in need, according to a report.

Warm-up man Ian Royce – who has also worked on Britain’s Got Talent and other entertainment shows – has appealed for assistance via a friend in order to attend rehab.

He is said to have suffered a brain aneurysm during his battle with alcohol addiction – and even tried to kill himself.

And now a host of the 50-year-old’s celebrity colleagues have come together to help support him as Ian seeks to raise £20,000 to go to The Priory.

Ian Royce is a warm-up man on The X Factor and BGT (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Read more: Dancing On Ice: Trisha Goddard confirmed as contestant

Olly Murs is also thought to have donated £2000 to the fund, with Ant and Dec also believed to have contributed.

It is claimed that Ant – who has battled his own demons – and Dec pledged thousands to help Ian on the GoFundMe page set up by a pal.

According to the Mirror, Simon and Robbie made their donations anonymously to the charitable account.

The page reads: “Ian is in desperate need of our help. He is an alcoholic and has taken his first steps by admitting so.”

Read more: Ruth Langsford admits to big night out as Loose Women stars support Coleen Nolan

Ian – who keeps studio audiences entertained before the shows go out live – has given his deep thanks to supporters on Twitter.

He wrote earlier today: “I am so grateful to so many for saving my life.”

Over £12,000 of the £20,000 target has already been raised.

X Factor Judges 2018 - Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Field and Robbie Williams
Robbie is also said to have contributed (Credit: ITV)

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer