Gazza reveals Richard Madeley friendship

Rex Features

Paul Gascoigne has revealed that he often turned to chat show host Richard Madeley when he felt "lonely inside".

The former England footballer speaks about his friendship with Madeley on Watch's Richard And Judy tonight.

"I would call you and then I'd start thinking someone was listening," the 41-year-old tells Madeley.

"I'd call you because I wanted to see if I was making sense, which I knew I wasn't. I felt so lonely inside so I called people to see if they still loved us.

"When you called back, I didn't take the call but at least I knew you cared for us."

Gascoigne, who was detained under the Mental Health Act in 2008, revealed earlier this month that he nearly died during a three-week stint at a Gloucestershire rehab centre.