Gwyneth Paltrow: I’m a lush

The American actress plays Kelly Canter in new movie Country Strong. The film is about up-and-coming country music star Beau Williams, portrayed by Garrett Hedlund, who becomes friends with older singer Kelly. Kelly is recovering addict, and Gwyneth has admitted she asked Robert Downey Jr. – who has famously battled substance abuse problems – for advice.

The actress is famous for following a strict diet, but has relaxed her regime in recent years. She now enjoys drinking alcohol, which also helped her get in character.

“A lot yeah,” she told interviewer Chelsea Handler when asked if she likes to drink. “I like red wine, but I'll drink white, rosé... Guinness is my favourite beer, and I love a dirty vodka martini. I'm just a lush, basically. I'll drink whatever.”

Gwyneth appeared on Chelsea’s talk show as part of an interview special, also featuring Christina Aguilera. The singer recently announced she is getting divorced from her husband Jordan Bratman, who she has two-year-old son Max with.

She explained she is excited to embark on a new part of her life, and has relied on friends and family for support. Among them are Justin Timberlake, who Christina worked with on The Mickey Mouse Club when she was young.

“I’d say the Mouseketeer who I keep in touch with the most is Justin Timberlake,” she said. “I just went and supported him at a charity event that he was doing out in Vegas, and he’s just, you know, how can you not love Justin? He’s such a charismatic, amazing guy.”