Anthony Hopkins is celebrating 49 years of sobriety

He said: "49 years ago today, I stopped. And I was having such fun. But then I saw I was in big, big trouble because I couldn't remember anything and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull.

"Then on that fatal day, I knew I needed help. So I got it. I phoned up a group of people like me - alcoholic. And that was it. Sober. I've had more fun these 49 years than ever."

He went on to remind fans who may be struggling that they are not alone and to encourage them to seek help.

He said: "If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help. It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol. Get some help. There's plenty of help around.

"One thing I didn't know, I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me. Anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs.

""I'm going to be 87 in two day's time. So I'm celebrating my long life - unexpectedly long life. So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do. Because it is a killer. With that, Happy New Year!"