Wayne Lineker Opens Up on Alcohol Hell and Relationship with Famous Brother Gary
Wayne Lineker has candidly shared the profound changes in his life since giving up alcohol and rebuilding bridges with his brother, the renowned broadcaster Gary Lineker, following a tumultuous period in their relationship.
A Daily Struggle with Alcohol
In a revealing interview, Wayne Lineker admitted he was a "burden on the family" as he opened up about his long-standing battle with alcohol. The businessman disclosed on Good Morning Britain that the past year was both the "worst but the best year" of his life, marking a significant turning point as he ceased drinking after 37 years of daily consumption.
He described his routine, saying: "I found myself in a never-ending cycle of lack of energy in the mornings when I woke up. My breakfast of choice was a cheese and tomato toastie and a vodka Red Bull. I was drinking all day, every day." Wayne explained to the Daily Mail that his drinking habits deeply worried his family, leading him to feel unhealthy and behave poorly, which ultimately caught up with him.
Journey to Sobriety
According to reports, Wayne had his last drink in July 2025 and subsequently checked into a Surrey rehabilitation facility for a six-week program. He is now sober and reflected on a pivotal moment when his son, Duane, who had been caring for him in Ibiza, informed him that he could no longer pick up his granddaughters from school. This served as a wake-up call, prompting Wayne to seek help and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Mending Ties with Brother Gary
Elsewhere in the interview, Wayne discussed the evolution of his relationship with his brother, Gary Lineker. He shared that their bond is now "good", as both brothers have come to realize that "life is too short" to hold onto past grievances. However, Wayne noted that they are "not on the terms we used to be", recalling a time when they were incredibly close, playing golf and sharing Sunday lunches together. Despite not returning to that previous level of intimacy, Wayne assured that they are "back as friends again".
A Long-Awaited Reunion
The first proper interaction between the brothers in 15 years occurred at the wedding of Gary's son, Harry, in Ibiza. Prior to this, their encounters had been limited to their parents' funerals. Wayne described the moment as surreal, saying, "It was like nothing had ever happened. It was weird." This event marked a significant step in healing their fractured relationship.
Business Updates and Future Plans
In related news, Wayne recently announced the closure of one of his Ibiza venues, a sports bar called Linekers, after 37 years of operation. He shared on Instagram that it was "the end of an era" for the San Antonio hotspot, which had become a favourite among tourists. However, he emphasized that his flagship venue in Puerto Banus, Marbella, remains open and thriving. Wayne also continues to operate the famous beach club O Beach Ibiza, a popular celebrity destination since its opening in 2012.
For those struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, support and advice are available through organizations like Alcohol Change UK.
