Darren Day has opened up about how close friend Robbie Williams saved his life after a near-fatal relapse in 2019. The 57-year-old entertainer, once a West End heartthrob, says he was given six months to live before Williams intervened.
Robbie Williams' Intervention
Day told The Mirror: "In 2019 I was given six months to live and if it wasn't for my amazing mate Robbie, I wouldn't be here. I went off the rails and broke down over the phone to Rob. I was in a state." Williams arranged for Day to spend three months at a rehabilitation facility in South Africa. "He saved my life. He sent me to a place in South Africa to heal and I owe my life to him," Day added.
Career Highs and Lows
Day rose to fame in 1993 when he took over the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium from Phillip Schofield. He went on to star in Grease, Summer Holiday, Godspell, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and hosted ITV game show You Bet!. He performed for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the 1993 Royal Variety Performance.
Day also recalled a memorable encounter with Princess Margaret: "Over a two-week period I hosted the Royal Variety in 1994 and she was the guest, then I did another gig at the Royal Albert Hall where she was guest of honour. When she reached me, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, 'Hello, Darren.' My friends couldn't believe it!"
Struggles with Addiction
Despite his success, Day battled drug and alcohol addiction, along with drink-driving convictions that derailed his career and personal life. In 2020, he revealed a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. He also faced scrutiny over his relationships, including with actress Anna Friel. "People didn't like it when 'Mr Musical Theatre Darren Day' was in a relationship with her," he said. "But I was being hailed as the new Cliff Richard."
New Role and Family Life
Now, Day stars in Million Dollar Quartet at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester until September. He is also a father of three—Corey, 21, Madison, 19, and Dalton, 14—and became a grandfather earlier this year to baby Colton. Happily settled with fiancée Sophie Ladds, Day says: "I am here playing a great role. I've got three amazing children, a fantastic partner, a wonderful grandson and good mates. I'm alive and sober – I feel very lucky."
