Why has Sheryl forgiven alcoholic ex-husband Gazza?

The former footballer, 42, has been visited regularly by Sheryl, 43, his stepchildren Mason and Bianca and their son Regan, since he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act on June 3rd.

Stepdaughter Bianca's appearance by her father's side can be seen as equally surprising as that of his former spouse's.

Kiss off: Paul and Sheryl Gascoigne appear to be anything but exes as they ride share a kiss in a west London shopping centre

The pair have previously endured a strained relationship, with the tensions so great that they were said to have stopped talking to each other for a year before Bianca appeared on reality show Celebrity Love Island.

When his troubles first came to the surface earlier this year, Bianca said that, while she had not seen her stepfather "for some time", her thoughts were with him.

Despite splitting in an acrimonious divorce in 1998 after a turbulent two year marriage, Sheryl appears to have moved on and made amends with her troubled former spouse.

The ex-footballer was enjoying a day out with Sheryl, son Regan and step daughter Bianca

Gascoigne was found at Kings Cross Station last month and taken to University College Hospital but discharged himself after treatment

Gazza has been spending an increasing amount of time with ex-wife Sheryl and their family since checking into The Priory rehab centre to fight his alcohol and mental health problems earlier this month.

Just two days after Gazza arrived the clinic, a tearful Sheryl was spotted leaving after an emotional five hour meeting with her famous ex.

Paul was dropped back at The Priory to continue his treatment

And as Gazza attempts to conquer his demons, Sheryl has become his emotional rock and has been balancing his tough rehab treatment with quality time with the family.

Over the weekend, Sheryl and their three children picked Gazza up from The Priory and went to a cinema in nearby west London, before stopping off at a local Sainsbury's for a snack.

The couple married in 1996 but divorced after just two years after she revealed he would regularly attack her.

However, following their first meeting earlier this month, a source told The Mirror: 'The pair of them were very emotional.

'You might have expected Paul to be the more upset but it was Sheryl who seemed to be struggling the most.

'She was so tearful and clearly battling to keep any grip.

'They gave each other a really big hug and it was like she was struggling to drag herself away.

'Paul was also emotional and looked tearful but he seemed to contain things.'

The rest of Gazza's family have also rallied round to show support since he was sectioned earlier this month.

The former footballer's behaviour prompted sister Ann to reveal that she had feared for her brother's life.

'He's been drinking, I believe, to escape, to get away and it's been a vicious circle', she said.

''It had literally gotten to the point where I was having to be with him constantly, to the point where I was taking him to hospital because I believed that he needed help.'

After 28 days of treatment under the Mental Health Act Gascoigne's case will be reviewed.

But he has been warned at least three months of help are needed.