TV
TV
John Altman took heroin "by accident".
The 'EastEnders' actor has opened up about his experiences of taking drugs, admitting he's tried everything from marijuana to LSD, but insists he only ever took the Class A drug because he mistook it for cocaine.
He shared: "I met people while travelling who were buying heroin and fixing up. But I've always hated needles, which probably did me a favour because I always avoided heroin.
"The only time I took it was at a party by accident, because I thought it was cocaine. I saw a white line on the table, I snorted it and then it made me sick."
Despite confessing he's sunk as low as his character, Nasty Nick Cotton, at times he claims they were some of his most enjoyable years.
He continued: "That was during my mad punk years, when we'd be up all night on the best cocaine in the world.
"There were a lot of walks home at dawn the next day. But for me they were great times."
The 62-year-old actor is now calling for drugs to be legalised, as he believes alcohol is more dangerous than any of the drugs he's taken.
He told The Sun newspaper: "My attitude to drugs now is most should be legalised. In the 21st century you should be able to buy recreational drugs from a Government-controlled vending machine.
"You wouldn't have so many people dying after using bad drugs.
"I have taken most drugs. But the worst one - the one that nearly destroyed me - was alcohol."
John - whose ex-wife Bridget Pouhan and daughter Rosanna left him at the height of his alcoholism - admits he drew on his experiences of taking illicit substances when playing Nick.
He explained: "Once you sober up, you see what alcohol can do to people. I spoke to an alcoholic once who had been in prison because he killed someone in a blackout, and he didn't even remember what happened.
"If I had carried on drinking, that could have been me. I could have been in prison, or dead.
"So I used that, and my experiences with drugs, as research when Nick was addicted to heroin. The memories came flooding back."
John is now preparing to say goodbye to his most memorable role as Nick is set to be killed off next week in the run up to EastEnders' 30th anniversary later this month.
John Altman accidentally took heroin
John Altman took heroin "by accident".
The 'EastEnders' actor has opened up about his experiences of taking drugs, admitting he's tried everything from marijuana to LSD, but insists he only ever took the Class A drug because he mistook it for cocaine.
He shared: "I met people while travelling who were buying heroin and fixing up. But I've always hated needles, which probably did me a favour because I always avoided heroin.
"The only time I took it was at a party by accident, because I thought it was cocaine. I saw a white line on the table, I snorted it and then it made me sick."
Despite confessing he's sunk as low as his character, Nasty Nick Cotton, at times he claims they were some of his most enjoyable years.
He continued: "That was during my mad punk years, when we'd be up all night on the best cocaine in the world.
"There were a lot of walks home at dawn the next day. But for me they were great times."
The 62-year-old actor is now calling for drugs to be legalised, as he believes alcohol is more dangerous than any of the drugs he's taken.
He told The Sun newspaper: "My attitude to drugs now is most should be legalised. In the 21st century you should be able to buy recreational drugs from a Government-controlled vending machine.
"You wouldn't have so many people dying after using bad drugs.
"I have taken most drugs. But the worst one - the one that nearly destroyed me - was alcohol."
John - whose ex-wife Bridget Pouhan and daughter Rosanna left him at the height of his alcoholism - admits he drew on his experiences of taking illicit substances when playing Nick.
He explained: "Once you sober up, you see what alcohol can do to people. I spoke to an alcoholic once who had been in prison because he killed someone in a blackout, and he didn't even remember what happened.
"If I had carried on drinking, that could have been me. I could have been in prison, or dead.
"So I used that, and my experiences with drugs, as research when Nick was addicted to heroin. The memories came flooding back."
John is now preparing to say goodbye to his most memorable role as Nick is set to be killed off next week in the run up to EastEnders' 30th anniversary later this month.
TV
Alexander O'Neal claims 'Celebrity Big Brother' drove him to take crack cocaine.
The 'Criticize' hitmaker - who has been to rehab for drug addiction in the past - has confessed to relapsing after leaving the reality show house last month.
A spokesman for the star said: "It has been extensively reported how this series of CBB has been one of the most stressful and volatile in the history of the show.
"It has been documented in the past that Alexander has had issues that have led to him seeking professional help and treatment.
"This was a momentary relapse, completely out of his recent character and behaviour and he will certainly be addressing and dealing with this immediately.
"Alexander has a lot of positive projects to look forward to over the next few months, including a tour and new material he is working on, and hopes this momentary lapse will not interfere with those.
"He asks his fans to forgive him and apologises if he has let any of you down."
The 61-year-old star decided to quit the Channel 5 show last month following a number of arguments with Perez Hilton, including an incident during which he called the 36-year-old gossip blogger a f****t.
Staff at the hotel in Wembley, north London where Alexander is reported to have been staying since his departure from CBB claim he often takes drugs during his visits to Britain.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "He has been staying there at the hotel for weeks and always asks for the top floor because it is the only one you can smoke on.
"You could smell the drugs in the corridor. He has looked shocking when he did come out."
Alexander discussed his substance abuse problems with fellow housemate Keith Chegwin - who is a former alcoholic - during his time on the show.
He was heard saying: "I've been in several treatments for drugs... Cocaine.
"The counsellor was saying, 'You're never going to get off the drugs unless you get that chip off your shoulder'."
Alexander O’Neal: Celebrity Big Brother drove me to crack
Alexander O'Neal claims 'Celebrity Big Brother' drove him to take crack cocaine.
The 'Criticize' hitmaker - who has been to rehab for drug addiction in the past - has confessed to relapsing after leaving the reality show house last month.
A spokesman for the star said: "It has been extensively reported how this series of CBB has been one of the most stressful and volatile in the history of the show.
"It has been documented in the past that Alexander has had issues that have led to him seeking professional help and treatment.
"This was a momentary relapse, completely out of his recent character and behaviour and he will certainly be addressing and dealing with this immediately.
"Alexander has a lot of positive projects to look forward to over the next few months, including a tour and new material he is working on, and hopes this momentary lapse will not interfere with those.
"He asks his fans to forgive him and apologises if he has let any of you down."
The 61-year-old star decided to quit the Channel 5 show last month following a number of arguments with Perez Hilton, including an incident during which he called the 36-year-old gossip blogger a f****t.
Staff at the hotel in Wembley, north London where Alexander is reported to have been staying since his departure from CBB claim he often takes drugs during his visits to Britain.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "He has been staying there at the hotel for weeks and always asks for the top floor because it is the only one you can smoke on.
"You could smell the drugs in the corridor. He has looked shocking when he did come out."
Alexander discussed his substance abuse problems with fellow housemate Keith Chegwin - who is a former alcoholic - during his time on the show.
He was heard saying: "I've been in several treatments for drugs... Cocaine.
"The counsellor was saying, 'You're never going to get off the drugs unless you get that chip off your shoulder'."
TV
Joey Essex often wakes up in "a random hotel room" with no idea how he got there after a drunken night out.
The 24-year-old reality TV star admits he regularly ends up in such a state and is left bemused at how he has managed to pay for the room but doesn't like to stick around to find out the next morning.
He said: "I've woken up in a random hotel room with no idea how I got there. I've done it loads of times with a few of the boys.
"We somehow manage to pay the night before and then run out really quickly the next morning."
But when the former 'The Only Way is Essex' hunk doesn't check himself into a hotel after a boozy night out he usually invites his pals back to his house and rustles up a mouth-watering snack of nachos with cheese and salsa.
When asked what when his nights out usually kick off, he told Top of the Pops magazine: "It depends on where we're going, but I've got the party place so I always invite everyone back afterwards and cook a midnight snack of nachos with cheese.
"And a bit of salsa, know what I'm saying?"
Joey Essex wakes up in ‘random’ hotels after drunken nights
Joey Essex often wakes up in "a random hotel room" with no idea how he got there after a drunken night out.
The 24-year-old reality TV star admits he regularly ends up in such a state and is left bemused at how he has managed to pay for the room but doesn't like to stick around to find out the next morning.
He said: "I've woken up in a random hotel room with no idea how I got there. I've done it loads of times with a few of the boys.
"We somehow manage to pay the night before and then run out really quickly the next morning."
But when the former 'The Only Way is Essex' hunk doesn't check himself into a hotel after a boozy night out he usually invites his pals back to his house and rustles up a mouth-watering snack of nachos with cheese and salsa.
When asked what when his nights out usually kick off, he told Top of the Pops magazine: "It depends on where we're going, but I've got the party place so I always invite everyone back afterwards and cook a midnight snack of nachos with cheese.
"And a bit of salsa, know what I'm saying?"
TV
Davina McCall still goes to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
The 47-year-old presenter - who has spoken openly about how she struggled with drug addiction in her 20s - has confessed she still attends NA meetings because she "enjoys" them.
She said: "I do still go to meetings because I just think that NA is brilliant - a very, very clever system.
"I've always been really nervous talking about it, though, because obviously it's an anonymous thing.
"But it really does work and I've had an awful lot of support from NA over the years. It's sort of a misnomer that people only go when they're about to relapse or they really need help.
"I go because I enjoy it - it's one of the places I feel really relaxed, most at home and like I completely fit in. It's not the Moonies, it's not some weird cult - it's just a place where people get help and support. I get a lot from it."
The 'Million Pound Drop' host admits that although her husband Matthew Robertson - with whom she has children Chester, Holly and Tilly - enjoys drinking wine, she never allows herself even a single glass.
She explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I've never really thought, 'Oh god, I'm going to have a beverage'. Matthew absolutely loves wine and some people in recovery find that difficult. But I don't.
"It doesn't bother me at all. If I ever think that wine looks icy cool and fresh on a summer's day, I think, 'But then I'll have another one and another one'. I can't just have one of anything!
"It sounds dramatic but I've seen it happen to other people. I've got too much to lose and I don't want to go there.
"But it really is a case of taking one day at a time and thinking I am definitely not going to drink."
Davina McCall still attends Narcotics Anonymous meetings
Davina McCall still goes to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
The 47-year-old presenter - who has spoken openly about how she struggled with drug addiction in her 20s - has confessed she still attends NA meetings because she "enjoys" them.
She said: "I do still go to meetings because I just think that NA is brilliant - a very, very clever system.
"I've always been really nervous talking about it, though, because obviously it's an anonymous thing.
"But it really does work and I've had an awful lot of support from NA over the years. It's sort of a misnomer that people only go when they're about to relapse or they really need help.
"I go because I enjoy it - it's one of the places I feel really relaxed, most at home and like I completely fit in. It's not the Moonies, it's not some weird cult - it's just a place where people get help and support. I get a lot from it."
The 'Million Pound Drop' host admits that although her husband Matthew Robertson - with whom she has children Chester, Holly and Tilly - enjoys drinking wine, she never allows herself even a single glass.
She explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I've never really thought, 'Oh god, I'm going to have a beverage'. Matthew absolutely loves wine and some people in recovery find that difficult. But I don't.
"It doesn't bother me at all. If I ever think that wine looks icy cool and fresh on a summer's day, I think, 'But then I'll have another one and another one'. I can't just have one of anything!
"It sounds dramatic but I've seen it happen to other people. I've got too much to lose and I don't want to go there.
"But it really is a case of taking one day at a time and thinking I am definitely not going to drink."
TV
Robin Windsor and Marcus Collins have split up.
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional and the former 'The X Factor' contestant - who previously spoke of their plans for marriage - are said to have parted ways earlier this year after 18 months of dating.
A spokesperson for Marcus told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Marcus and Robin made the decision to split a short while ago, but remain good friends."
However, there may be more to the story than meets they eye as Marcus has posted a number of cryptic messages to his Twitter account over the past week suggesting someone has been dishonest.
He wrote: "THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!"
Another message read: "It's such a shame that people feel the need to lie."
The 26-year-old former hairdresser also posted an image of a not-so-subtle quote in a bid to get his point across.
The quote reads: "More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren't so busy denying them."
Meanwhile, Robin, 35 - who is set to take part in the first ever 'The People's Strictly' for Comic Relief after recovering from the injury that saw him pull out of the last series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' - previously claimed they were both in the relationship for the long haul.
He said: "We both know where this is heading and that this is for the long term. It's a case of being the right time. I've always wanted to get married to the person that I love and that fairytale gets closer everyday."
Robin Windsor splits from Marcus Collins
Robin Windsor and Marcus Collins have split up.
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional and the former 'The X Factor' contestant - who previously spoke of their plans for marriage - are said to have parted ways earlier this year after 18 months of dating.
A spokesperson for Marcus told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Marcus and Robin made the decision to split a short while ago, but remain good friends."
However, there may be more to the story than meets they eye as Marcus has posted a number of cryptic messages to his Twitter account over the past week suggesting someone has been dishonest.
He wrote: "THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!"
Another message read: "It's such a shame that people feel the need to lie."
The 26-year-old former hairdresser also posted an image of a not-so-subtle quote in a bid to get his point across.
The quote reads: "More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren't so busy denying them."
Meanwhile, Robin, 35 - who is set to take part in the first ever 'The People's Strictly' for Comic Relief after recovering from the injury that saw him pull out of the last series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' - previously claimed they were both in the relationship for the long haul.
He said: "We both know where this is heading and that this is for the long term. It's a case of being the right time. I've always wanted to get married to the person that I love and that fairytale gets closer everyday."
TV
Paddy McGuinness watches 'Take Me Out' every Saturday.
The 41-year-old presenter and his wife Christine - with whom he has twins Leo and Penelope, 18 months - spend their weekend nights in front of the TV with a takeaway and the model admits her husband's own show is essential viewing in their house.
She said: "We don't pig out, but it's nice to have some pizza or Chinese and chocolate watching 'Take Me Out'.
"We watch it every Saturday. I have to watch my husband with 30 single women on the telly!"
Since having the twins, Christine is heavier than she was before getting pregnant but both she and her husband are very happy with her figure.
She told Closer magazine: "I feel fantastic. I feel more feminine and in proportion for my height.
"I've got more of a bum now and a nice set of thighs - they're strong, firm legs.
"Paddy loves my body, especially as there's a little bit more of me."
Paddy McGuinness watches Take Me Out every Saturday
Paddy McGuinness watches 'Take Me Out' every Saturday.
The 41-year-old presenter and his wife Christine - with whom he has twins Leo and Penelope, 18 months - spend their weekend nights in front of the TV with a takeaway and the model admits her husband's own show is essential viewing in their house.
She said: "We don't pig out, but it's nice to have some pizza or Chinese and chocolate watching 'Take Me Out'.
"We watch it every Saturday. I have to watch my husband with 30 single women on the telly!"
Since having the twins, Christine is heavier than she was before getting pregnant but both she and her husband are very happy with her figure.
She told Closer magazine: "I feel fantastic. I feel more feminine and in proportion for my height.
"I've got more of a bum now and a nice set of thighs - they're strong, firm legs.
"Paddy loves my body, especially as there's a little bit more of me."
TV
Katie Price has won 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The former glamour model, who was paid £500,000 to appear on the Channel 5 show, feared she was "going to have a panic attack" upon being crowned the 2015 champion tonight (06.02.15) after going head-to-head in the public vote against runner-up Katie Hopkins.
The 36-year-old star, who had a breast reduction shortly before she was unveiled as a surprise new housemate 10 days after the series kicked off, broke down in tears during her interview with host Emma Willis and admitted she was very surprised to win.
She said: "I don't understand. I went in with a medical problem, so I've been on antibiotics and painkillers. I haven't been 100 percent well so I think I've been boring, so I don't know why I'm here."
The brunette beauty, who has five children, Harvey, 12, Princess, nine, Junior, seven, Jett, 17 months, and five-month-old daughter Bunny, from different relationships, is looking forward to being reunited with them and husband Kieran Hayler.
She said: "I miss them so much."
Earlier in the show, Hopkins insisted she was happy to come second, but branded her rival "boring as hell."
The 39-year-old TV presenter, who polarised viewers due to her strong views and frequent spats, added: "I think I was the most hated housemate in the history of people going into the house. That's the territory I know, that's the territory I believe in. I am used to the boos, I wear big old boots because it allows me to be a tougher old bird. I am quite tough, my opinions are quite hard."
Asked about the tension between her and former housemate Perez Hilton, she said: "I think I was in there to take him on, to be his adversary. If he wasn't the biggest twat, I may not have been the second biggest twat. You need a sparring partner in the house."
Calum Best, 34, came third and after being congratulated, he said: "Thank you. And I'm thrilled to bits with that, but I'm absolutely exhausted."
The former party boy went into the house to change the public's perception of him.
'RuPaul's Drag Race' judge Michelle Visage, 46, was the first contestant voted out tonight, while 58-year-old presenter and actor Keith Chegwin, who enjoyed an emotional reunion with his wife, came in fourth place.
Katie Price wins ‘Celebrity Big Brother’
Katie Price has won 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The former glamour model, who was paid £500,000 to appear on the Channel 5 show, feared she was "going to have a panic attack" upon being crowned the 2015 champion tonight (06.02.15) after going head-to-head in the public vote against runner-up Katie Hopkins.
The 36-year-old star, who had a breast reduction shortly before she was unveiled as a surprise new housemate 10 days after the series kicked off, broke down in tears during her interview with host Emma Willis and admitted she was very surprised to win.
She said: "I don't understand. I went in with a medical problem, so I've been on antibiotics and painkillers. I haven't been 100 percent well so I think I've been boring, so I don't know why I'm here."
The brunette beauty, who has five children, Harvey, 12, Princess, nine, Junior, seven, Jett, 17 months, and five-month-old daughter Bunny, from different relationships, is looking forward to being reunited with them and husband Kieran Hayler.
She said: "I miss them so much."
Earlier in the show, Hopkins insisted she was happy to come second, but branded her rival "boring as hell."
The 39-year-old TV presenter, who polarised viewers due to her strong views and frequent spats, added: "I think I was the most hated housemate in the history of people going into the house. That's the territory I know, that's the territory I believe in. I am used to the boos, I wear big old boots because it allows me to be a tougher old bird. I am quite tough, my opinions are quite hard."
Asked about the tension between her and former housemate Perez Hilton, she said: "I think I was in there to take him on, to be his adversary. If he wasn't the biggest twat, I may not have been the second biggest twat. You need a sparring partner in the house."
Calum Best, 34, came third and after being congratulated, he said: "Thank you. And I'm thrilled to bits with that, but I'm absolutely exhausted."
The former party boy went into the house to change the public's perception of him.
'RuPaul's Drag Race' judge Michelle Visage, 46, was the first contestant voted out tonight, while 58-year-old presenter and actor Keith Chegwin, who enjoyed an emotional reunion with his wife, came in fourth place.
TV
Danielle Armstrong has given her boyfriend permission to flirt with his gay fans.
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star has revealed that while she doesn't like her co-star and boyfriend James 'Lockie' Locke - who previously confessed to cheating on her - meeting female fans, she's more than happy for him to rub shoulders with his gay fan base.
She said: "I think he gets more excited by the male attention he gets than from the girls.
"He knows that he's got to be careful or I'll go mental if he gets too much attention from the girls. And he knows that with the guys I can't go mental."
The 26-year-old star - who attended couples counselling with Lockie, 28, on the last series of the ITV Be show - also confessed she loves it when her beau strips down to his birthday suit for racy photoshoots.
She shared: "I think it's great when James does naked photo shoots because I like looking at him naked so everyone else should.
"And I love it that gay guys fancy him."
Danielle also admitted that while she's in no rush to walk down the aisle, she plans to wait for James to propose and has no intention of getting down on one knee herself.
She told the Daily Star newspaper: "It's completely up to James as he has to be the one who pops the question. The ball is in his court."
Danielle Armstrong lets James ‘Lockie’ Lock flirt with men
Danielle Armstrong has given her boyfriend permission to flirt with his gay fans.
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star has revealed that while she doesn't like her co-star and boyfriend James 'Lockie' Locke - who previously confessed to cheating on her - meeting female fans, she's more than happy for him to rub shoulders with his gay fan base.
She said: "I think he gets more excited by the male attention he gets than from the girls.
"He knows that he's got to be careful or I'll go mental if he gets too much attention from the girls. And he knows that with the guys I can't go mental."
The 26-year-old star - who attended couples counselling with Lockie, 28, on the last series of the ITV Be show - also confessed she loves it when her beau strips down to his birthday suit for racy photoshoots.
She shared: "I think it's great when James does naked photo shoots because I like looking at him naked so everyone else should.
"And I love it that gay guys fancy him."
Danielle also admitted that while she's in no rush to walk down the aisle, she plans to wait for James to propose and has no intention of getting down on one knee herself.
She told the Daily Star newspaper: "It's completely up to James as he has to be the one who pops the question. The ball is in his court."
TV
Tony Maudsley "dreads" having to wear his 'Benidorm' costumes.
The 47-year-old star, who plays flamboyant beautician Kenneth Du Beke in the ITV comedy, has confessed to putting on weight since quitting smoking but insists the costume department haven't bothered to buy hot pants and vests in a larger size.
Asked how he reacts when he sees what's been laid out for him to wear in his dressing room each day on set, he said: "With dread, yeah, with dread. The first thing I do is worry if it's going to fit me. I stopped smoking two years ago and I've put on three stone but they haven't changed the hot pants!"
However, the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' actor - who is set to star alongside Michelle Keegan and Jo Joyner in 'Ordinary Lies' later this year - is now watching what he eats in a bid to slim down.
He added: "I'm on a diet and I've lost sixteen pounds."
Meanwhile, Tony admits actors and actresses are queuing up to appear in the popular show.
He told ITV's 'This Morning': "Everyone wants a cameo. I think Derren [Litten], the writer, has a little black book and whenever he wants to inject a bit of nostalgia he refers to the little book and brings all his favourites in."
Speaking about his excitement at work with Joan Collins and other big names, he added: "Joan, obviously, my personal favourite was Amanda Barrie. I was so chuffed to do scenes with Amanda. I was like, it's 'Carry On Cleo'!"
Tony Maudsley ‘dread’s wearing Benidorm costumes
Tony Maudsley "dreads" having to wear his 'Benidorm' costumes.
The 47-year-old star, who plays flamboyant beautician Kenneth Du Beke in the ITV comedy, has confessed to putting on weight since quitting smoking but insists the costume department haven't bothered to buy hot pants and vests in a larger size.
Asked how he reacts when he sees what's been laid out for him to wear in his dressing room each day on set, he said: "With dread, yeah, with dread. The first thing I do is worry if it's going to fit me. I stopped smoking two years ago and I've put on three stone but they haven't changed the hot pants!"
However, the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' actor - who is set to star alongside Michelle Keegan and Jo Joyner in 'Ordinary Lies' later this year - is now watching what he eats in a bid to slim down.
He added: "I'm on a diet and I've lost sixteen pounds."
Meanwhile, Tony admits actors and actresses are queuing up to appear in the popular show.
He told ITV's 'This Morning': "Everyone wants a cameo. I think Derren [Litten], the writer, has a little black book and whenever he wants to inject a bit of nostalgia he refers to the little book and brings all his favourites in."
Speaking about his excitement at work with Joan Collins and other big names, he added: "Joan, obviously, my personal favourite was Amanda Barrie. I was so chuffed to do scenes with Amanda. I was like, it's 'Carry On Cleo'!"