LEVI ‘BLACKMAILED’
X Factor and rugby star Levi Davis warned he was being ‘blackmailed’ & felt ‘life was in danger’ before vanishing
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MISSING X Factor and rugby star Levi Davis claimed he was being "blackmailed" and feared his "life was in danger" in a since-deleted video.
The 24-year-old ex-Bath rugby player was last seen at an Irish pub in Barcelona on October 29 after getting on a ferry from Ibiza without any money or spare clothes.
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On Tuesday morning, as the desperate search enters its 10th day, Levi's foster mother Susanne Balfour spoke to confirming that he had mentioned a blackmail threat in a video posted on social media.
Host Kay Burley asked Susanne if the blackmail was linked to her foster son's sexuality - he made history in 2020 when he was the first rugby union player to come out as bisexual while still playing.
Susanne replied: "He might just be frightened, he did say in that video that his life was in danger, I don't know whether he's running from something, I just don't know."
She added: "Levi said he needed to get out of Ibiza, when his friend asked why he just said he needed to get out… he was actually on a ferry from Ibiza going to Barcelona… but that was the last thing he heard from him."
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Susanne said it was "concerning" that he hadn't reached out to any family or friends since last month.
Levi's sister Candeece Balfour, 23, who appeared alongside Susanne, also made an emotional appeal directly to her brother.
"I just want him to know that he's loved by everyone and I just want him to come home," she said, describing him as "an amazing person".
She said she had received a voice note from Levi on October 26 in which he said he was a "fighter".
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It is understood that he was suffering with a persistent injury that had affected his career, and may have also had financial difficulties.
Today, it was revealed Levi's family are flying out to Spain to continue the search for the winger.
Close friend Richard Squire, who Levi had flown out to visit in Ibiza, set up a to help raise money for the family's travel costs.
It has already raised around £500 of its £3,000 goal, less than 24 hours after it was set up.
He did say in that video that his life was in danger
Suzanne Balfour
"As many of you will have seen in the press and on social media, Levi Davis is currently missing, last seen in Barcelona," Richard said, alongside a picture of his friend.
"He's struggled with his mental health for many years and we, his friends and family, are extremely concerned for him.
"Thanks to so many people sharing his image and poster, we've had some possible sightings and need to get his friends and family on the ground in Spain to walk the streets looking for him and follow up on any leads.
"This obviously costs money, so I've set up this page to ask for your help.
"Money raised will be used to cover travel and accommodation costs and, once he's found, get him the professional help he needs.
"Any money left over will be donated to a charity that can help other venerable people. Thank you for your help."
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Today, Levi's mum Julie Davis also spoke to Good Morning Britain to give an update on the search for her son.
Presenter Ed Balls asked Julie about the latest information, to which she replied: "The latest is that he was seen in Sitges, on a beach there.
"He was approached by a gentleman who saw Levi, who we think was Levi, and asked him in Spanish 'are you ok?'
"Unfortunately Levi, if it was Levi, didn't answer back.
"I don't know if it's because he doesn't know the language very well and went on his way."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- HUMEN
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,, 116 123
Yesterday, it was revealed Spanish cops still haven't started looking for Levi, despite his family reporting him missing days ago.
This is despite the fact that CCTV footage of Levi on the night he went missing has been shared with police.
He was last seen leaving the Old Irish Pub on Barcelona's Las Ramblas on the night of October 29.
In the video, the former Celebrity X Factor and Celebs Go Dating star is wearing a white t-shirt, black jeans and white trainers, and carrying a small black backpack.
It has also been reported that Levi posted on OnlyFans the day before he disappeared.
Former England rugby player Tom Varndell has also urged anyone who has seen Levi recently to get in touch.
He wrote on Twitter: "If anyone has seen or heard from Levi Davis in the last two weeks could you please drop me a message asap. Many thanks.
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Levi featured on ITV's Celebrity X Factor in 2019 alongside fellow rugby players Ben Foden and Thom Evans in a singing group called Try Star.
He also appeared on E4's Celebs Go Dating in 2020.
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