ONE Direction legend Niall Horan said Lewis Capaldi was right to “take a step back right now” — as celebrity pals rallied round the struggling singer.
The Irish heart-throb, 29, added he was “happy” his Scots mate, 26, had decided to step away from the limelight to recover physically and mentally.
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Lewis announced his decision after his emotional Glastonbury performance on Saturday.
It was his first show after a three-week break earlier this month — taken in a bid to work on his health.
But after a difficult set the hitmaker, who was visibly distressed as he battled through his Saturday afternoon festival slot, announced in an emotional statement his plans to step out of the limelight for the second time in week.
He said: “I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I’d hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out.
“But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.
“I know I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can’t and I’d like to thanks my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who’ve been so supportive every step of the way through good times and even more so during this past year when I’ve needed it more than ever.”
Lewis had a string of dates across the UK including appearances at Reading and Leeds Festival this summer before two dates in Edinburgh in August.
Former One Direction heart-throb, Niall, has been mates with the singer since asking Lewis to open his solo Glasgow shows for him in 2018.
He added: “I speak to Lewis most days to be honest with you.
“So I’m really happy for Lewis that he’s able to take the time that he obviously feels he needs right now.
“But performing never gets easy. I don’t think you ever truly get used to singing in front of 100,000 people.
“If you have any sort of performance anxieties or anything like that then that stage can be a tough place.”
Niall praised thousands of Glasto festival goers who helped his pal out by singing his worldwide No1 smash Someone You Loved when Lewis’s voice packed in.
He says: “We saw it at Glastonbury at the weekend when the whole crowd, 100,000 people, were right behind him.
“I think they realised how much he was struggling up there. It was a proper human moment.
“He’s not just the fella who sings and makes us laugh all the time, he’s the fella who also has anxieties and Tourette’s Syndrome and it’s coming to fruition on stage.
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“So I’m glad people were right there behind him showing him support.”
After performing his song Bruises at the weekend, Lewis admitted he was having voice issues, telling the crowd: “I’m going to be honest everybody but I’m starting to lose my voice up here, but we’re going to keep going and we’re going to go until the end.
“I just need you all to sing with me as loud as you can if that’s OK?”
He continued to apologise to the crowd, and the Eavis family who organise Glastonbury, for his voice starting to go – but the ocean of fans replied by cheering him on and chanting “Oh Lewis Capaldi”.
Before his final song, he told the crowd: “I recently took three weeks off just because I’ve been non-stop the past year and I wanted to take a wee break from my head for my mental health.
“I wanted to come back and do Glastonbury because it’s obviously so incredible so I just want to thank you all for coming out. I was scared but you’ve really made me feel at ease so thank you very much for that.”
Niall’s support was echoed by stars from across the entertainment industry.
Rapper Professor Green said: “Sending all the love mate. As tough as time out is – as someone who’s had to take my fair share of it – there’s no reward like getting on top of your health bro, no one’s going anywhere. All the best.”
Scotland captain Andy Robertson, and Man City star Jack Grealish, posted messages of support as the pair posted love hearts in solidarity.
Radio 1 breakfast host, Greg James said: “You’re brilliant.
“Very courageous to admit something like this.
“Everyone is quite clearly behind you all the way.”
Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan, 41, said: “Huge love to you my man.
“Rest up.
“Come back strong.”
Smooth radio host Jenni Falconer commented: “Everyone will be here waiting for you whenever the time is right. And of course it will be worth the wait.”
TV star Mark Wright wrote: “What a man. Brave beyond belief, not to mention the impeccable talent that oozes from you. have a well deserved rest, we will all wait patiently for your return.”
Fellow Scot, Love Island star Laura Anderson, wrote: “Perfect. Proud and see you shining bright soon.”
The Vamps guitarist James Brittain-McVey posted: “Never feel like you need to apologise for looking out for yourself. Your journey with this is inspirational and you’re guiding and helping others along the way. Sending so much love, you’re a good person.”
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