Carl Barat winning alcohol battle

Carl Barat has revealed he is winning his battle with alcohol.

The Dirty Pretty Things frontman was hospitalised with pancreatitis – a painful condition which sees the pancreas become inflamed - in June and the illness was attributed to his excessive drinking.

He said: "When I came out from hospital I had a few swift halves. But my stomach felt so bad I've decided to not have anything since. It is difficult, at awards shows and other things like that you are used to drinking but you just need to not make a big deal that you can't get p***ed."

The musician has previously admitted the illness provided him with a much-needed wake-up call as it forced him to re-think his lifestyle.

He said: "It was scary. I was in constant pain. But it has tested me and given me more time to think. Mornings are a lot easier. I can think things through properly."

Carl - who was previously bandmates with Pete Doherty in The Libertines - has also revealed he has sought support from comedian Russell Brand, who has overcome heroin and alcohol addiction.

Carl said: "The two of us will have to get together for a sober night out. Russell sips water. But I have to have Diet Coke."