Cold Feet star John Thompson has told friends he needs help with his drinking problem following an incident at the Manchester home he shares with his pregnant girlfriend Sam Sharp on Wednesday evening.
The two had shared a night out together in upmarket eaterie Simply Heathcotes, but after they had returned home the actor reportedly flew into a drunken rage. He threw glasses and smashed furniture before falling and cutting his head.
Concerned by his behaviour Sam called the police, and John was taken to hospital for treatment. Returning home after being discharged, the actor, who plays Pete Gifford in the hugely successful 30-something series, confided in a friend his fears that his drinking is out of control.
“He kept saying ‘I’m cracking up. I’m cracking up. I need rescuing,” revealed the friend. “It was heartbreaking to hear him in such a state…Sadly it has come to the stage where John needs to get some professional help.” Later that day the actor left the couple’s home carrying a suitcase.
Just last month John, who in August was been banned from driving for three years after being arrested for drink driving for the second time, spoke openly about his heavy drinking. “Because of the pressure of work I used to find myself drinking half a bottle of vodka and a few beers. I was using drink as a relaxant. It was a combination of the work and always being in the spotlight.”
Saying he felt “ashamed” about the drink driving incident – “drink driving is stupid. People lose their loved ones from it” – the 33-year-old actor seemed to have turned over a new leaf. “I’m an adult now and about to become a father,” he said at the time. “It’s blissful at home. Sam’s obviously not drinking and I only have the odd drink. I’m exercising control over my drinking.”
The latest incident would seem to imply, however, that what he described as “a wake-up call, a massive turning point” had not had the lasting effect John had hoped. He and Sam, who is due to give birth next month, were planning a spring wedding, but friends say the nuptials are looking increasingly doubtful.
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