Coogan blamed for Owen Wilson's drug spiral

Courtney Love has blamed Steve Coogan for the apparent suicide attempt of Hollywood star Owen Wilson. Love, Coogan's former lover, said the I'm Alan Partridge and Saxondale star's hard-living party lifestyle had drawn in Wilson and helped accelerate his downward spiral into drugs and depression.

Wilson, 38, has been recovering in hospital since Sunday after reportedly having taken a cocktail of drugs and then slashing his wrists. The comedians have appeared together in two films: Around the World in 80 Days and, more recently, the 2006 film Night at the Museum.

Courtney Love, who had an affair with Coogan after he moved to the US three years ago, said: "Under normal circumstances I would not comment but I care too much about Owen. I went through it with Steve. I was just out of rehab and he was right there with the drugs. I tried to warn Owen. I tried to warn his friends. I hope from the bottom of my heart that Owen stays the hell away from that guy."

In a statement released via Access Hollywood, Coogan has vehemently denied the allegations. He said: "My thoughts are with my friend Owen at this difficult time, but I do want to set the record straight and say that the allegations published today are completely and utterly false."

Steve Coogan is currently starring in the second series of Saxondale, showing Thursday nights on BBC2.