Sir Elton John has 'no regrets'

The flamboyant singer ' who previously battled addictions with alcohol and cocaine, and suffered a drug overdose in 1975 ' admits he has made many mistakes but believes all his previous actions have contributed to the life he has today.

Elton ' who has been sober for over 20 years - said: "I've had a great career, but f***ed up my private life doing drugs. I'm too old for regrets: everything that happened was for a reason ' even the bad times. The trials and tribulations were my fault. I've managed to transcend the bad stuff.

"I've been sober for 20 years and it's been the best time of my life. I'm a better person ' forget the career. That has nothing to do with it. I'm very happy. It's taken a lot of work, but with the love I receive from my partner David Furnish and friends, it's the best life I could possibly have imagined."

The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker has used his own experiences to help other struggling stars, but insists he would not get involved with their problems unless asked.

He told Radio Times magazine: "I helped Rufus Wainwright in 2002 when crystal meth addiction had turned him temporarily blind, my guitarist Davey Johnstone, who's now six months sober, and Eminem, two years sober. They all asked me."

The 63-year-old star's former pal George Michael ' who was recently freed from prison after serving four weeks of an eight-week sentence for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis ' has repeatedly claimed Elton has tried to interfere in his life, but the 'Candle in the Wind' singer insists that is not the case.

He said: "It's a myth to say, as George Michael did, that I went knocking on his door to tell him he must get help. I haven't got a thing against him ' he's a huge talent, I love him, and what he does in his life is none of my business ' but he should get out more."