Busted Matt In Boozers' Clinic
He checks into Priory as benders take toll

BUSTED star Matt Jay has checked into The Priory clinic to fight his booze habit, The Sun can reveal.

Matt, 22, deccided to get some therapy after his late-night benders spiralled out of control.

The boy band singer - dubbed Beer Matt by the Suns Bizarre column - has told pals he is finding treatment tough.

Matt - who split with Busted bandmates James Bourne and Charlie Simpson in January - booked into the addiction wing of the celebrity rehab clinic seven days ago, He has pledged to stick out the two week course which costs £20,000. A spokesman for Matt last night confirmed that the star was receiving treatment. The spokesman said: 'Matt realised that his drinking had gone out of control and he wanted to sort it out before it destroyed his life. He's feeling very low at the moment but he's chosen to deal with it the responsible way. Despite this setback he will be back in the studio to work on his solo project very soon.'

Matt - who used a false name to check into The Priory in Sound West London - took part in an in-house Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on Thursday.

A sourse at the clinic said yesterday: 'He looked like he was dressing for a funeral in black jeans and a black sweartshirt.'

'He was very subdued. During the meeting he listened intently but didn't say much. A lot of people find the treatment tough - and Matt looks like he's one of those.'

Patients at the clinic - which had treated a string of celebrities - are closeley monitored by staff, who are on call around the clock to discuss problems.

At the end of the two week course of treatment, Matt will be given a 'sponsor' who will help to keep him off the booze.

The singer enjoyed a string of hits with Busted, including Crashed The Wedding, Who's David? and You Said No.

Since the group split, Matt has been working in the studio on his own material. He admitted in an interview last year that the boy band were not as clean cut as people thought.

He said, 'We're all party animals and we're out of control most of the time. We're big drinkers, we love to party and of course, we love the attention from the girls.'

Victoria Newton writes:
I wish my pal MATT JAY from BUSTED all the best with his treatment for his alcohol problems. He really is a top bloke and I hope he makes a swift recovery. Matt - remember to keep your chin up and I can't wait to hear your new material. Best of luck.