'Underbelly' star battling alcoholism

Simon Westaway has revealed that he has been silently battling an alcohol addiction.

The Underbelly star, who played boxer Mick Gatto in the Australian crime series, revealed that he checked himself into a treatment programme at the South Pacific Private Rehabilitation Clinic two months ago.

Westaway told New Idea magazine: "I'm an alcoholic in recovery. I'm taking it one day at a time. But I do feel fantastic right now. My head is so much clearer.

"This disease hurts. If you're an alcoholic, it's a bit like having body odour - you'll be the last to know you stink. Alcoholism hurts but of course you can't see it at the time."

He added: "I'm one of the lucky ones. There shouldn't be embarrassment or alarm about seeking help and knowing that you can turn your life around. If I can be strong to resist the need to self-medicate, then I'm in a much better position to have a better life."