I’ve checked myself into rehab to help remain sober – it wasn’t an easy decision, says Alan Carr’s ex after split

ALAN Carr's ex-husband Paul Drayton has revealed to fans that he checked into rehab to help him remain sober after their split.

The TV comedian and the party planner released a joint statement on Friday morning to confirm they are ending their three-year marriage.

Paul, 50, took to Instagram to follow up with his own statement, telling his fans that he had "checked himself into rehab" to protect himself.

"It is with great sadness that I share the news that Alan and I have jointly decided to end our marriage," he wrote alongside a snap of a sunset.

"This decision has been very difficult for us and we part ways with great memories and continued love and friendship for each other as we go our separate ways.
 
"As part of my own journey, I proactively checked myself into a rehabilitation facility at the turn of the new year in order to get the help and support I need during this challenging time."

Paul went on to detail how this was "not an easy step to take" but was aware it "was the right one going forward" for himself and Alan, 45.

"These last couple of years have been challenging to say the least, as they have been for so many others," he went on.

"I remain deeply committed to my journey of sobriety and strength. I thank you all for your kindness and support. Peace and love."

The break-up comes as Paul faces jail for drink-driving after crashing his car following a public battle with alcoholism.

He was allegedly four times over the drink-drive limit when he reversed into a cop car - narrowly missing a mum with a pram.

A statement released by Alan's representative read: "After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating.

"They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways. We request that their privacy is respected at this sensitive time."

The former couple dated for ten years before Paul proposed in 2016.

He surprised Alan by hiding the engagement ring in Alan's dessert during a romantic holiday to Indonesia.

Then in 2018, Alan's best friend Adele got ordained so she could officiate at the comedian’s wedding.

The superstar singer serenaded Alan and Paul in her LA garden during their first dance, and then flew the three of them to Las Vegas to watch singer Celine Dion perform.

But not long after their honeymoon in Mexico Paul sought help for alcoholism and went into rehab.

The pandemic has also been tough on Paul, who sparked concern when he posted a photo of himself with a black eye in August last year and told a fan “we had a bad row”.

He later revealed he caused his own black eye - by punching himself in the face. 

Paul publicly apologised to Alan, saying: “I’m feeling very fragile at the minute and would like to say that Alan would not and has never hit me and I’m devastated that he has to deal with this today.”

Alan also insisted he was not responsible for the injury. He said Paul had gone back on the booze - and he was supporting his husband through the tough time.

Alan told The Sun: “While I was away filming on location the past few weeks, Paul fell off the wagon and started drinking again.

“When I arrived back home from Wales, Paul was covered in scratches and bruises from a drinking binge.

“We are now working together to get the help he needs to get better, which is our number one priority right now.”

Three days earlier Paul had shared a photo of him looking dishevelled with vomit on his T-shirt.

Paul's drink-driving incident happened in October.

The 50-year-old was stopped by police after being seen "swerving from one side of the road to the other" - and then reversed into their vehicle.

He originally denied the charge but later admitted his guilt at Brighton Magistrates' Court.

He was disqualified from driving and was placed on unconditional bail for sentencing this month.

But he has been warned he's likely to serve prison-time for the incident that happened three miles from the £2.7 million pad he shares with Alan.

District Judge Amanda Kelly told him: "The starting point for this offence is a 12 week prison sentence and that was for somebody with less alcohol and who didn't hit a police car.

"I will order a pre-sentence report but the overwhelming likelihood is you will be going to prison. You have endangered the public by driving around in that state.

"It is an absolute miracle you are here to day and have not killed or maimed another member of the public. You are now disqualified from driving from today.

"Be as honest and open with probation as you can be, but custody is likely."