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      Ex-footie ace Jamie O’Hara reveals battle with sleeping pills

      by

      EX-FOOTIE ace Jamie O’Hara has told of his battle with sleeping pills after our shock probe into addicted players.
      We revealed yesterday how scores of Premier League stars are hooked on prescription pills.

      Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara told of his battle with sleeping pillsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Former Spurs midfielder O’Hara said he was prescribed the tablets by a club doctor after struggling to sleep following evening matches.
      Speaking on TalkSPORT, O’Hara, 34, said: “I used sleeping pills a lot. After games on a Tuesday night I was always terrible at sleeping.
      “The adrenaline is pumping, you’ve got the emotion of the game, the atmosphere, the crowd. The problem was I then became a little dependent on them. I wanted them all the time so I started taking them quite a bit.
      “I wouldn’t say I was addicted to them but I ended up getting to a point where I wanted to stop because I felt like I was needing them more.”

      The ex-footie ace, 34, was prescribed the tablets by a club doctor to improve his sleep following evening matchesCredit: Rex Features

      Yesterday, we revealed that stars are mixing ‘sleepers’ such as Zopiclone, pictured here, with alcohol to get highCredit: Science Photo Library
      Our probe found stars are mixing “sleepers” such as Zopiclone with alcohol to get high.
      They include two England aces buying on the black market. A third downed pills with champagne and vodka. O’Hara called on clubs to help players facing an increasing number of games.

      He added: “I can understand why people are taking them but I don’t understand why they are trying to get a high out of it. They need help.”
      Sleeping pills are not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.

      There are now calls for players to be regularly screened by their clubs or for the pills to be outlawed.

      Jamie said ‘I ended up getting to a point where I wanted to stop because I felt like I was needing them more’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Nuno reveals Wolves star Adama Traore lathers baby oil on arms to stop being held back and to avoid shoulder injuries
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Scores of Premier League stars are ‘risking lives and careers’ by getting hooked on sleeping pills

      by

      THE Premier League is becoming swamped with players hooked on sleeping pills, The Sun can reveal.
      Scores of stars are mixing “sleepers” with alcohol to chase a new recreational high.

      The Premier League is becoming swamped with players hooked on sleeping pillsCredit: Alamy

      Aces are mixing ‘sleepers’ with alcohol to get highCredit: Alamy

      Insiders say the problem with pills such as Zopiclone and Zolpidem is growing at a terrifying rate with some risking their lives and careers.
      The Sun recently told how one England star has been popping pack after pack of Zopiclone, downing them with champagne and vodka.
      Today we can reveal two more Three Lions players have turned to the black market to get their hands on larger quantities of the Class C prescription medication.
      One Wag returned home from a night out to find her partner out cold on the sofa and their hysterical kids trying to wake him.

      A source close to the star said: “They’re destroying him — and those around him.’’
      PERFECT STORM
      Astonishingly, the pills are not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.
      There are now calls for players to be regularly screened by their clubs or for the pills to be outlawed.
      Sporting Chance, the charity set up by former England and Arsenal hero Tony Adams, said it had been contacted by “many, many more players” seeking help.

      The charity warned this is just the tip of the iceberg.

      Pills such as Zopiclon are being prescribed by club doctorsCredit: Alamy
      Chief executive Colin Bland said: “We have seen a notable increase in this behaviour during the pandemic.
      “There is help there, from us, the Premier League and their clubs, but it’s been harder to get the message out because of lockdown. It’s created a perfect storm.”
      It is well known that footballers struggle getting to sleep after midweek evening matches.
      Their bodies are buzzing after 90 minutes and on a “come down” for hours after getting home. It was habitual for clubs to hand out the tablets to players — in small doses that a GP would recommend.
      But like most prescription drugs, the more you take, the more you need to get the same effect.
      And players say the routine distribution has started many on a rocky road to sleeping pill addiction.
      Some are scouring the black market for their fix, and are sharing them in dressing rooms.
      Premier League clubs are now reeling from the “monster” they ­created and are desperate to clampdown on the use.
      One of the three England aces, who The Sun is not naming, was originally prescribed small doses of Zolpidem by a club doctor.
      But he began mixing it with booze to get high and is now dependent.

      Last week we revealed an England ace had become addicted to the powerful sleeping tablets

      Fears for three aces

      PLAYER 1: One of his generation’s most talented stars but habit is the talk of dressing rooms.
      He has openly downed the pills with champagne and vodka at parties. But his habit leaves him lacklustre in training the next day.
      PLAYER 2: Pro with years of experience playing for England.
      Prescribed Zolpidem by club. Started mixing pills with alcohol, now addicted. Wag begged him to get help after finding him “out cold”.
      PLAYER 3: Young star tipped to be England regular. Suffered a form dip many have linked to his prolific use of sleepers. Concerns he may never fulfil potential.

      A source said: “He has been taking them every single day for the last year. It has become part of his routine.
      “He’d take them before bed but it soon progressed to whenever and wherever.
      “They are destroying him and those around him. Taking sleeping tablets is rife among some of his teammates and at other clubs too.
      “There’s an open conversation between players about who can get what and where from. It’s out of control. The pills need to be banned.
      “What if a player was behind the wheel and killed someone you love?
      “They don’t consider the repercussions. They think they’re invincible.”
      The source said the player has confided in club bosses who are offering their full support.
      They added: “The club has recommended he seek therapy to address it. His partner is worried and wants him to get help urgently.”
      One dressing room source said our original story on an unnamed England ace had sent shockwaves through the game.

      They don’t consider the repercussions. They think they’re invincible.

      The source added: “What The Sun has uncovered is being discussed at the very top.
      “There has been panic about what might come out next. Everyone is aware of the player who has recently battled a Zopiclone addiction.
      “He has been all over the place. It is common knowledge across the Premier League.

      Some players are turning to the black market to get their fixCredit: Alamy

      Heroes not immune to huge risks

      By Craig Dexter, Sporting Chance

      THERE is a misconception that substances prescribed for life issues such as poor sleep are less of a threat to wellbeing than illegal ones purchased on a street corner.
      Yet they can be just as dangerous and habit forming if misused or abused.
      Doctors and psychiatrists are trained to assess a safe and appropriate dose.
      Importantly, they will consider all the factors relevant to an individual patient.
      Those in professional sport may, wrongly, believe the rules do not apply.
      Excuses will include factors such as repetitive injury, wanting to play in pain and late kick-offs due to TV.
      Sometimes, sports people tell us, it’s just because of a simple desire to change the way they are feeling.
      Certain sports have normalised prescribed medication use.
      Look deeper and you find more dangers.
      Substances bought from illegal sources may not be as advertised.
      Often the dose indicators are way off.
      Dependent players risk prosecution or even blackmail.
      The main reason people ask Sporting Chance for help is that they have started to find their own behaviour unacceptable.

      “But he is by no means the only player struggling. They’ve been gobbling them down like sweets. This is a massive issue.”
      Previously aces inhaled balloons containing nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas or hippy crack, to get their kicks.
      It was widely used on the party scene because of the euphoria it can induce. But “sleepers” are now the go-to high.
      Mr Bland added: “Some players will have a habit, where it has become routine.
      “Others will have an addictive disorder and this is their chosen drug of choice.
      “Some will know they have a problem and seek help. But others won’t or will insist that they don’t have a problem.
      “Elite athletes, footballers, are mixing large doses with alcohol for that very reason and it’s becoming a growing problem.
      “They won’t be prescribed them in the quantity they are using, so they often turn to the black market.
      “Let’s be clear, using prescribed medication beyond its prescribed dose is drug abuse.
      “Using prescribed medication bought on the black market and not prescribed to you is also drug abuse and may be illegal.
      “If that wasn’t enough, the boxes of tablets warn against using with alcohol so to mix the two is, again, drug abuse.
      “There’s no way of getting away from it. It’s a murky world that they are occupying.”

      Players previously inhaled balloons containing nitrous oxide, known as laughing gasCredit: Getty

      The British Medical Journal has published experts’ letters warning against the misuse of sleeping pills and their ready availability online.
      A recent survey of Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) members showed nine per cent were experiencing difficulties with damaging addictive habits.
      The Football Association provides players with general information on what substances they put into their systems, plus educational material on the relevant matters.
      Players who need help should contact sportingchanceclinic.com
      Members of the public who fear they have a problem should call Talk to Frank on 0300 1236600 and Narcotics Anonymous 0300 9991212.

      WHERE TO GET HELP

      FRANK
      Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
      ADDACTION
      For help finding a service or to Instant chat
      Help4Addiction
      Help, support and advice for those affected by addiction
      Change, Grow, Live
      Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues
      Dedicated help for people under 25.
      SANE
      Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
      Action on Addiction
      Rehab and community addiction treatment
      0300 330 0659
      DrugFAM
      Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
      0300 888 3853
      Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol

      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Scores of Premier League players ‘risking lives and careers’ by getting hooked on sleeping pills

      by

      THE Premier League is becoming swamped with players hooked on sleeping pills, The Sun reveals today.
      Scores of stars are mixing “sleepers” with alcohol to chase a new recreational high.

      The Premier League is becoming swamped with players hooked on sleeping pillsCredit: Alamy

      Aces are mixing ‘sleepers’ with alcohol to get highCredit: Alamy

      Insiders say the problem with pills such as Zopiclone and Zolpidem is growing at a terrifying rate with some risking their lives and careers.
      The Sun recently told how one England star has been popping pack after pack of Zopiclone, downing them with champagne and vodka.
      Today we can reveal two more Three Lions players have turned to the black market to get their hands on larger quantities of the Class C prescription medication.
      One Wag returned home from a night out to find her partner out cold on the sofa and their hysterical kids trying to wake him.

      A source close to the star said: “They’re destroying him — and those around him.’’
      PERFECT STORM
      Astonishingly, the pills are not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.
      There are now calls for players to be regularly screened by their clubs or for the pills to be outlawed.
      Sporting Chance, the charity set up by former England and Arsenal hero Tony Adams, said it had been contacted by “many, many more players” seeking help.

      The charity warned this is just the tip of the iceberg.

      Pills such as Zopiclon are being prescribed by club doctorsCredit: Alamy
      Chief executive Colin Bland said: “We have seen a notable increase in this behaviour during the pandemic.
      “There is help there, from us, the Premier League and their clubs, but it’s been harder to get the message out because of lockdown. It’s created a perfect storm.”
      It is well known that footballers struggle getting to sleep after midweek evening matches.
      Their bodies are buzzing after 90 minutes and on a “come down” for hours after getting home. It was habitual for clubs to hand out the tablets to players — in small doses that a GP would recommend.
      But like most prescription drugs, the more you take, the more you need to get the same effect.
      And players say the routine distribution has started many on a rocky road to sleeping pill addiction.
      Some are scouring the black market for their fix, and are sharing them in dressing rooms.
      Premier League clubs are now reeling from the “monster” they ­created and are desperate to clampdown on the use.
      One of the three England aces, who The Sun is not naming, was originally prescribed small doses of Zolpidem by a club doctor.
      But he began mixing it with booze to get high and is now dependent.

      Last week we revealed an England ace had become addicted to the powerful sleeping tablets

      Fears for three aces

      PLAYER 1: One of his generation’s most talented stars but habit is the talk of dressing rooms.
      He has openly downed the pills with champagne and vodka at parties. But his habit leaves him lacklustre in training the next day.
      PLAYER 2: Pro with years of experience playing for England.
      Prescribed Zolpidem by club. Started mixing pills with alcohol, now addicted. Wag begged him to get help after finding him “out cold”.
      PLAYER 3: Young star tipped to be England regular. Suffered a form dip many have linked to his prolific use of sleepers. Concerns he may never fulfil potential.

      A source said: “He has been taking them every single day for the last year. It has become part of his routine.
      “He’d take them before bed but it soon progressed to whenever and wherever.
      “They are destroying him and those around him. Taking sleeping tablets is rife among some of his teammates and at other clubs too.
      “There’s an open conversation between players about who can get what and where from. It’s out of control. The pills need to be banned.
      “What if a player was behind the wheel and killed someone you love?
      “They don’t consider the repercussions. They think they’re invincible.”
      The source said the player has confided in club bosses who are offering their full support.
      They added: “The club has recommended he seek therapy to address it. His partner is worried and wants him to get help urgently.”
      One dressing room source said our original story on an unnamed England ace had sent shockwaves through the game.

      They don’t consider the repercussions. They think they’re invincible.

      The source added: “What The Sun has uncovered is being discussed at the very top.
      “There has been panic about what might come out next. Everyone is aware of the player who has recently battled a Zopiclone addiction.
      “He has been all over the place. It is common knowledge across the Premier League.

      Some players are turning to the black market to get their fixCredit: Alamy

      Heroes not immune to huge risks

      By Craig Dexter, Sporting Chance

      THERE is a misconception that substances prescribed for life issues such as poor sleep are less of a threat to wellbeing than illegal ones purchased on a street corner.
      Yet they can be just as dangerous and habit forming if misused or abused.
      Doctors and psychiatrists are trained to assess a safe and appropriate dose.
      Importantly, they will consider all the factors relevant to an individual patient.
      Those in professional sport may, wrongly, believe the rules do not apply.
      Excuses will include factors such as repetitive injury, wanting to play in pain and late kick-offs due to TV.
      Sometimes, sports people tell us, it’s just because of a simple desire to change the way they are feeling.
      Certain sports have normalised prescribed medication use.
      Look deeper and you find more dangers.
      Substances bought from illegal sources may not be as advertised.
      Often the dose indicators are way off.
      Dependent players risk prosecution or even blackmail.
      The main reason people ask Sporting Chance for help is that they have started to find their own behaviour unacceptable.

      “But he is by no means the only player struggling. They’ve been gobbling them down like sweets. This is a massive issue.”
      Previously aces inhaled balloons containing nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas or hippy crack, to get their kicks.
      It was widely used on the party scene because of the euphoria it can induce. But “sleepers” are now the go-to high.
      Mr Bland added: “Some players will have a habit, where it has become routine.
      “Others will have an addictive disorder and this is their chosen drug of choice.
      “Some will know they have a problem and seek help. But others won’t or will insist that they don’t have a problem.
      “Elite athletes, footballers, are mixing large doses with alcohol for that very reason and it’s becoming a growing problem.
      “They won’t be prescribed them in the quantity they are using, so they often turn to the black market.
      “Let’s be clear, using prescribed medication beyond its prescribed dose is drug abuse.
      “Using prescribed medication bought on the black market and not prescribed to you is also drug abuse and may be illegal.
      “If that wasn’t enough, the boxes of tablets warn against using with alcohol so to mix the two is, again, drug abuse.
      “There’s no way of getting away from it. It’s a murky world that they are occupying.”

      Players previously inhaled balloons containing nitrous oxide, known as laughing gasCredit: Getty

      The British Medical Journal has published experts’ letters warning against the misuse of sleeping pills and their ready availability online.
      A recent survey of Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) members showed nine per cent were experiencing difficulties with damaging addictive habits.
      The Football Association provides players with general information on what substances they put into their systems, plus educational material on the relevant matters.
      Players who need help should contact sportingchanceclinic.com
      Members of the public who fear they have a problem should call Talk to Frank on 0300 1236600 and Narcotics Anonymous 0300 9991212.

      WHERE TO GET HELP

      FRANK
      Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
      ADDACTION
      For help finding a service or to Instant chat
      Help4Addiction
      Help, support and advice for those affected by addiction
      Change, Grow, Live
      Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues
      Dedicated help for people under 25.
      SANE
      Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
      Action on Addiction
      Rehab and community addiction treatment
      0300 330 0659
      DrugFAM
      Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
      0300 888 3853
      Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol

      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Paul Gascoigne vows to overcome fear of snakes and win Italian version of I’m A Celebrity

      by

      PAUL Gascoigne yesterday vowed to win Italy’s version of I’m A Celebrity — if he can conquer his fear of snakes.
      Gazza, 53, jetted off for two months on a desert island having passed a series of physical and mental tests.

      Paul Gascoigne has jetted off for Italy’s version of I’m A CelebCredit: Instagram

      He will spend two months in Honduras, where Isola de Famosi is filmed

      But last night as he boarded a plane for Honduras, where the show is filmed, the former Newcastle, Spurs and Lazio player said: “What is really going to scare me is the snakes.
      “Anything else I can put up with — lack of food, the trials, but what I’m really scared of is the snakes.
      “I think I will either be out in 24 hours or win it — there won’t be any half measures.

      Joining him in the jungle is beauty queen Carolina Stramare

      Actress Angela Melillo will also join the stars

      Covid denier Daniela Martani could stir up things in the camp

      “I’ve had my problems and I have battled to overcome them – I have always tried to remain the same person.

      “This will be a fantastic challenge but I know it won’t be easy.”
      Gazza’s campmates will include former Miss Italy Carolina Stramare, Covid denier Daniela Martani and actress Angela Melillo.

      Gazza is a former Newcastle, Spurs and Lazio playerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Gazza works up a sweat in funny dance vid before being dropped in jungle with former Miss Italy bombshell
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Dele Alli splits from model girlfriend Ruby Mae ‘because he spent too long playing Fortnite’

      by

      FOOTIE ace Dele Alli has split from his pin-up lover Ruby Mae — with mates blaming the amount of time he spent playing online video game Fortnite.
      The pair, both 24, have separated after a series of heated rows and she has moved out of their £2million pad.

      Model Ruby Mae has split up with her footballer boyfriend Dele AlliCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Pals said Ruby got fed up with video game fan Dele’s lifestyleCredit: Instagram

      Friends said model Ruby was “incensed” over the Spurs and England star’s recent behaviour — including “spending too much time playing Fortnite.”
      One friend told The Sun: “Dele and Ruby Mae are finished.
      “Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end. Ruby is sad but looking out for herself now.
      “She had enough of Dele’s good-time nature, and packed up her things.

      “She’s looking after number one from here.”

      Ruby is sad about the split ‘but looking out for herself now’Credit: Instagram

      Dele live streams himself playing Fortnite online to thousands of followers
      They broke up just before Valentine’s Day.
      Ruby, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, began dating Dele in 2016. They briefly split in 2018.

      Last year, masked robbers with knives raided their home as £150,000-a-week Dele was playing pool with his 24-year-old brother Harry Hickford and a friend.
      The midfielder — who last month reportedly wanted a move to Paris Saint-Germain after a lack of game time at Spurs — was punched in the face.

      Ruby has tens of thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram.com/rube_mae

      Dele and Ruby broke up just before Valentine’s DayCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Dele and Ruby on holiday in Mykonos together last yearCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Ruby and Dele became victims of a violent robbery at his homeCredit: Instagram
      The crooks escaped with watches and jewellery and Dele beefed up security by buying a Dobermann guard dog.
      Ruby first hit the headlines after being spotted consoling him after England lost 2-1 to Iceland and were knocked out of Euro 2016.
      As they hugged, their relationship became public. And they have since been spotted together looking loved-up on various holidays, including in Mykonos and Ibiza.
      Ruby has established herself as a high-profile model with a host of big-name brands.
      She is an avid Instagrammer and constantly updates her profile with new snaps of her life.

      Ruby is signed to a number of leading fashion brands as a model

      Ruby has finally had enough of her relationship with Dele Alli and called it quitsCredit: Instagram

      Ruby has always shown support for Dele Alli at England tournamentsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last week, she was blasted by road safety chiefs for sharing a video with her 96,000 Instagram fans which she shot while over-taking on a motorway.
      It is illegal to use a phone while driving and campaigners have urged cops to investigate.
      Offenders can be fined up to £1,000 and potentially be banned.

      Ruby is saying goodbye to her life as a WAGCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Dele’s relationship with Rub went public in 2016Credit: Rex Features

      Dele has been a Tottenham player since 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

      Dele Alli’s girlfriend Ruby Mae slammed after filming video while overtaking on a motorway
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Dele Alli has split from model girlfriend Ruby Mae ‘because he spent too long playing Fortnite’

      by

      FOOTIE ace Dele Alli has split from his pin-up lover Ruby Mae — with mates blaming the amount of time he spent playing online video game Fortnite.
      The pair, both 24, have separated after a series of heated rows and she has moved out of their £2million pad.

      Model Ruby Mae has split up with her footballer boyfriend Dele AlliCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Pals said Ruby got fed up with video game fan Dele’s lifestyleCredit: Instagram

      Friends said model Ruby was “incensed” over the Spurs and England star’s recent behaviour — including “spending too much time playing Fortnite.”
      One friend told The Sun: “Dele and Ruby Mae are finished.
      “Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end. Ruby is sad but looking out for herself now.
      “She had enough of Dele’s good-time nature, and packed up her things.

      “She’s looking after number one from here.”

      Ruby is sad about the split ‘but looking out for herself now’Credit: Instagram

      Dele live streams himself playing Fortnite online to thousands of followers
      They broke up just before Valentine’s Day and have unfollowed each other on social media.
      Ruby, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, began dating Dele in 2016. They briefly split in 2018.
      Last year, masked robbers with knives raided their home as £150,000-a-week Dele was playing pool with his 24-year-old brother Harry Hickford and a friend.

      The midfielder — who last month reportedly wanted a move to Paris Saint-Germain after a lack of game time at Spurs — was punched in the face.

      Ruby has tens of thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram.com/rube_mae

      Dele and Ruby have unfollowed each other on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Dele and Ruby on holiday in Mykonos together last yearCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Ruby and Dele became victims of a violent robbery at his homeCredit: Instagram
      The crooks escaped with watches and jewellery and Dele beefed up security by buying a Dobermann guard dog.
      Ruby first hit the headlines after being spotted consoling him after England lost 2-1 to Iceland and were knocked out of Euro 2016.
      As they hugged, their relationship became public. And they have since been spotted together looking loved-up on various holidays, including in Mykonos and Ibiza.
      Ruby has established herself as a high-profile model with a host of big-name brands.
      She is an avid Instagrammer and constantly updates her profile with new snaps of her life.

      Ruby is signed to a number of leading fashion brands as a model

      Ruby has finally had enough of her relationship with Dele Alli and called it quitsCredit: Instagram

      Ruby has always shown support for Dele Alli at England tournamentsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last week, she was blasted by road safety chiefs for sharing a video with her 96,000 Instagram fans which she shot while over-taking on a motorway.
      It is illegal to use a phone while driving and campaigners have urged cops to investigate.
      Offenders can be fined up to £1,000 and potentially be banned.

      Ruby is saying goodbye to her life as a WAGCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Dele’s relationship with Rub went public in 2016Credit: Rex Features

      Dele has been a Tottenham player since 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

      Dele Alli’s girlfriend Ruby Mae slammed after filming video while overtaking on a motorway
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Motorsport

      Racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals ‘enjoy a few nights out’

      by

      FUN-LOVING motor racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals: “Enjoy a few nights out.”
      The Formula One legend, who died last April aged 90, gave the order among a string of big-hearted legacies to 18 of his nearest and dearest.

      Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his willCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      The gifts included £1,000 handed to a couple to spend on dinner at Miami, Florida, restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab.
      And he dished out his favourite paintings, model cars and even a lucky silver rabbit’s foot to others.
      He left the bulk of his fortune to his wife since 1980 Lady Susie, 66, plus daughter Allison, 53, and son Elliot, 40.
      Probate office figures showed the star, who lived in Mayfair, central London, left £22.08million in his will but this did not include US assets.

      The daring racing style of Sir Stirling, who won 16 of 66 F1 races from 1951 to 1961, led speeding motorists when stopped by police to be asked: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last yearCredit: AFP or licensors

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last year with Lady Susie at his bedside.She paid tribute, saying: “It was one lap too many.
      “He died as he lived, looking wonderful.
      “He simply tired in the end and closed his beautiful eyes and that was that.”

      Sterling has been married to Lady Susie since 1980Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      List of Sir Sterling’s legacies

      £1,000 to a pal (now dead) for him and his wife “to enjoy a few of our usual nights out” and two trophies
      £10,000 and a Marcel Lebrun painting to his former secretary
      A hand-carved Birdcage Maserati sculpture by artist Dennis Hoyt to a male pal
      A John Brierley model train to another male friend
      £2,000 and his Mercedes Benz boxed edition Silver Arrows, given to him by Mercedes Benz in 1998, to a male pal
      A Talbot model to a male friend
      £1,000 to a married London couple to “enjoy at Joe’s Stone Crab” restaurant in Miami, US
      £1,000 to a female friend
      A Cooper model to a male pal
      £5,000 to a married couple
      Another £5,000 to a US friend
      His silver rabbit’s foot – given to Sir Stirling in 1954 by friends – to his ex-psychotherapist for “giving me more than luck”
      £1,000 to a female friend “to help towards her telephone bills”
      £1,000 to another female friend
      £10,000 to his niece to “put towards buying another horse”
      £5,000 to a married couple as “my thanks for their loyalty”
      A painting of Hyde Park by artist Dexter Brown to “remind her of her many numbered bottles enjoyed after walks through that park”.
      £10,000 to his rally driver sister, Pat, who sadly died in 2008
      £20,000 to his god-daughter

      Stirling Moss wins Grand Prix d’Europe in 1957
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      Paul Gascoigne is having intensive Italian lessons ahead of his stint in its version of I’m a Celebrity

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      PAUL Gascoigne is having intensive Italian lessons ahead of his stint in its version of I’m a Celebrity — to avoid the need for subtitles.
      Producers also want fellow contestants, including models, actresses and beauty queens, to understand the Geordie, 53.

      Paul Gascoigne is having intensive Italian lessons ahead of his stint on its version of I’m A CelebrityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      We revealed this week how the former England star who has fought drugs and booze problems, passed a series of physical and mental tests to sign up.
      He has been in quarantine in Milan and will travel to an island off the Honduras coast this weekend.
      A source said of the star, who played for Rome’s Lazio in the 1990s: “Paul has a basic grasp of Italian and he can make himself understood. But what we really want to avoid is having subtitles too often as that would ruin it.
      “The idea is to get him up to a good conversational level so he can talk with the other competitors.

      “We are expecting some exciting TV from Paul.”
      Called L’Isola dei Famosi (Island of the Famous), the reality show is a ratings hit in Italy.

      Gazza will be on L’Isola dei Famosi with Miss Italy 2019 Carolina Stramare, 22

      Actress Angela Melillo, 53, is a contestant the same age as Gazza

      Fashion heiress Drusilla Gucci will also star on the Island of the Famous

      Another contestant in the Italian show is Daniela Martani — a Covid denier
      Contestants this year include 2019 Miss Italy Carolina Stramare, 22, and fashion heiress Drusilla Gucci.
      Actress Angela Melillo, 53, will also be there as well as outspoken vegan Daniela Martani, 47, who has sparked controversy in her native Italy by being a Covid denier.

      The source said: “The women on the island are all very attractive and range in ages from 22 to 53 — the same age as Paul — and most of them are single. 

      “It should make a fascinating watch to see how Paul interacts with these women who are very opinionated and have strong views.”
      It will be hosted from a studio in Italy by model Ilary Blasi, 39, wife of former Italy striker Francesco Totti.
      Gazza has assured docs he has overcome his battle with booze and drugs and passed the tests with flying colours, unlike some younger hopefuls.

      Paul Gascoigne posts an Instagram snap from Italy

      Gazza works up a sweat in funny dance vid before being dropped in jungle with former Miss Italy bombshell
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