Top 10 British Celebrities Who Almost Ruined Their Careers

It's no secret Wayne Rooney and his wife Colleen have had their ups and downs, with the tabloids routinely reporting on the footballer's unfaithfulness. The period following his return to Everton Football Club in 2017 however, was one of the most controversial of all. After being found drunk behind the wheel of a car, with another woman no less, he was banned from driving and fined by his club. But Coleen swiftly forgave his escapades. And his stand out performances for Everton helped smooth things over in the press, too.

Take That are a national treasure, releasing hit after hit since the 90s. But, the reputation of one of the poster boys, Mark Owen, was almost shattered in 2010, when he admitted that he had cheated on his wife with at least 10 separate women. Owen put his infidelity down to alcohol addiction and soon after the announcement checked himself into rehab. Since then, he’s repaired his public image and recorded new songs with the band, as well as some of his own solo material.

Although he had big fights on the horizon, Fury’s boxing career seemed set to abruptly end in 2016. He’d already been trivially-stripped of his IBF world title due to a clause in Wladimir Klitschko’s fight contract, but it was the doping charges he faced in the lead up to their rematch that really shook his reputation. Admitting to using cocaine, Fury said that he took the drug to battle depression, and subsequently took time out to seek medical help. Fury is still on the boxing books though.

Law’s had his fair share of turbulent relationships over the years, but none have been quite as dramatic as his engagement to Sienna Miller. Having fallen for each other while filming “Alfie” in 2004, they got engaged soon after. But, it all came to a crashing halt when Law admitted to cheating on Miller with his children’s nanny. The press didn't take too kindly to his antics, but as his film credits prove, it didn't stop the job offers rolling in.

You can take your pick with dramatic and controversial moments in this model's career. But one scandal stands above all of them. Back in 2005, Moss was accused of taking cocaine, and found herself dropped from multiple modelling contracts, including a campaign with high-street retailer H&M. Although her image was tarnished, Moss surprisingly came back stronger than ever - and is still seen dazzling on billboards today.

In his 90’s heyday, Hugh Grant was the ultimate heartthrob, becoming a big, grinning staple for rom coms everywhere. But just as his career was launching into the stratosphere in 1995, he was arrested after being caught with a Hollywood prostitute. At the time, he was in a relationship with Liz Hurley, but surprisingly, they stayed together, and the whole incident was quickly smoothed over, at least on chat shows, anyway.

To another footballer, and someone who has been in and out of trouble more times than most. One particular incident involving defender Anton Ferdinand saw Terry taken to court in 2011, over racist remarks he made on the pitch. The former Chelsea captain was ultimately issued a four-match ban and a fine from the FA. And the incident led to him retiring from international football. Terry has had extra-marital troubles too, with the tabloids even reporting that he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of an ex-teammate, Wayne Bridge. Even so, Terry still scored a standout sporting career.

We all like to let off a bit of steam every now and then - but while filming a scene for 2009’s “Terminator Salvation”, Bale vented in the wrong place at the wrong time, and certainly in the wrong way. While shooting a particularly emotional sequence, director of photography Shane Hurlbut walked on set and apparently broke Bale’s concentration, so he hurled a barrage of insults his way. The fact that it occurred while Bale was still fulfilling the Batman role, probably helped him claw his way back in Hollywood’s good books.

In second place today is a duel effort from chat show host Ross and comedian Brand. While appearing on Brand’s BBC radio show in 2008, Ross took part in a lewd prank call to actor Andrew Sachs, with the pair leaving messages on his answering machine regarding Sach’s granddaughter. A media storm followed, Brand resigned from the BBC and Ross was suspended without pay for 12 weeks.The fervor eventually settled however, and the two are still going strong.

Clarkson is one of the most instantly recognisable names and faces in Britain, but he risked everything in 2015 when he punched BBC “Top Gear” Producer Oisin Tymon over an apparent dispute over food on set. So called ‘steak-gate’ made front page headlines everywhere, and following a suspension, Clarkson was dropped from the next series of “Top Gear”. But as we all know, Clarkson had the last laugh, starting another big budget show, “The Grand Tour”, with fellow petrolheads Richard Hammond and James May.