Jesse Melcalfe has checked himself into rehab to combat his problem with alcohol abuse, according to reports.

The Desperate Housewives actor made the decision himself to check into the facility, after being banned from a Hollywood hotel for abusing a member of staff while drunk.

Today, Metcalfe's spokesperson confirmed the situation, and requested that the actor's privacy be respected at this difficult time: "On Monday, Jesse Metcalfe entered a rehab facility to deal with alcohol issues. He realised he had a problem and was anxious to deal with it immediately. The actor hopes that the media will allow him the privacy to deal properly with his treatment."