Legendary 90s pop singer shocks fans with unrecognisable photo during crippling alcohol addiction when he was 'lost, broken and hopeless' - as he marks sober milestone

22 hours ago 4

By LILY JOBSON FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 09:01 GMT, 21 December 2024 | Updated: 10:06 GMT, 21 December 2024

Nineties pop singer Anthony Kavanagh shocked fans as he shared a swollen photo of himself at the peak of his alcohol addiction.

Anthony, 47, known as Kavana, has been sober for nearly three years and has been incredibly open about his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery.

And the artist admitted he was 'lost, broken and hopeless' during his crippling addiction.

He wrote: 'On #addictionawarenessweek I want to make anyone struggling aware that recovery is possible. 20 months ago I was lost, broken and hopeless. 

'Ask for help, I’m so glad I did. #Wedorecover #Noshame #addiction #youcandoit'.

The Celebrity Big Brother star is renowned for his hits in the Nineties, including I Can Make You Feel Good.

Nineties pop singer Anthony Kavanagh - known as Kavana -  shocked fans as he shared a swollen photo of himself (left) at the peak of his alcohol addiction

The singer is renowned for his hits in the Nineties, including I Can Make You Feel Good (pictured in 1997)

In September, Anthony marked his two year and six months sober milestone in a positive post but admitted 'it isn't always easy'.

He wrote: 'Two and half years sober. Not always easy but so worth it. If you’re struggling then reach out. My DMs are always open. X'

In February 2023, Kavana marked one year of sobriety and thanked his family and friends for their support as well as sharing a snap of himself before entering rehab.

Kavana revealed that in the 2022 photo he was 'in a blackout' as he gave a thumbs up to the camera sporting long hair and an unshaven face.

To show the difference he also shared a selfie of himself now, beaming for the camera, looking happier and healthier than ever.

He wrote: 'Today I am 1 year sober. On the left, me arriving at rehab in a blackout. On the right, me today. Thanks to those that have helped me get here a day at a time'.

The singer documented his 2022 entry into rehab after sadly relapsing a year earlier.

In February 2022, he took to Twitter to apologise to his family for not being 'truthful' as he admitted that alcoholism had 'got a grip on him' in an emotional post.

The artist admitted he was 'lost, broken and hopeless' during his crippling addiction

In February 2023, Kavana marked one year of sobriety and shared a snap of himself before entering rehab

In February 2022, he took to Twitter to apologise to his family for not being 'truthful' as he admitted that alcoholism had 'got a grip on him' in an emotional post

Kavana pictured in 1997 at the peak of his fame

The singer spoke of his 'mental struggles', before signing off social media for the foreseeable future.

The statement read: 'Today I go into rehab. Again. This illness of Alcoholism has got its grip. I'll be off social media for a while.

'To what family I have left, I'm sorry I wasn't truthful I've been going through a lot of mental struggles. Good news I'm going to get the help I need.

'My phone will be off for a while. Clint, Aunty Angela, Aunty Maria, Brad, I'm going to be OK and I love you all madly x.'

In March last year, Kavana revealed he felt 'guilty and sick' after his relapse on following 100 days of sobriety, as he declared 'I hate myself', on Twitter.

Fans flooded social media to share their messages of support.

One Twitter user responded: 'It’s not easy, don’t be hard on yourself. But the fact you’re feeling these things mean you want and care about sobriety which is the best positive. You can get it back.

'Be as compassionate with yourself as you would to anyone else in the same situation. You’re trying!'

For help and support with addiction contact Recovery 0203 553 0324 or visit https://www.recovery.org.uk/ 

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