Gascoigne requests privacy for father

Bianca Gascoigne has asked the media to respect her dad's privacy following his recent hospitalisation.

Police and ambulances were called to meet her father Paul, the former England footballer, after he was involved in an incident at a Knightsbridge hotel on the weekend. Staff were concerned that the ex-sports star was suicidal.

"Over the last few months we have done everything in our power to try and get my dad through this hard time," Bianca said in a statement.

"In this time I have rebuilt bridges with him and spent a lot of time talking to him on the phone. I really thought that he was getting better, but at the weekend he took a turn for the worst.

"I have learnt that my dad is seriously ill and it is something we are powerless to control or to help with.

"We can be there to support him as a family but I sincerely hope that the rehab staff are able to help him on his road to recovery."

The Celebrity Love Island star added: "I hope that everyone can respect the privacy we need while dealing with this together and we pray that he will overcome his troubles. My thoughts are with him."