Charles Kennedy death: Jim Davidson identifies with politician's battle as he was 'born an alcoholic'

As the world of politics struggles to come to terms with the death of former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, Jim Davidson has opened up about his own battle with alcohol.

Speaking on This Morning about the Scottish-born politician, the comedic actor suggested that Kennedy's demons may have finally gotten the better of him.

"Charles must have battled though, because there are times when you're not drinking, you think, 'I've gotta do that tomorrow, so I've gotta have a drink' and you start to doubt yourself," he told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford. "Then your self-esteem falls through the floor."

Kennedy, described as "one of the most gifted politicians of his generation", was found dead at his Fort William home aged just 55. His death came weeks after he lost his seat in May's general election.

Opening up about his own previous struggle with addiction, Davidson claimed that a person's weakness for alcohol was destined from birth.

"I believe you're born as an alcoholic. I don't believe that you drink so much that you become an alcoholic," he explained. "I think you have an addictive personality. I'm one of those people that's never wanted one of anything in my life really, hence the wives..." Davidson, who has been married five times, said.

The 61-year-old star, who has been sober for around eight years, added that he decided to change his life after becoming "sick and tired of feeling sick and tired".

"It got to a stage where I couldn't work. It was OK being drunk, I was a functioning alcoholic brilliantly, but when the hangovers were kicking in, I couldn't go onstage and I couldn't do anything, it started to take away more than it gave," the Celebrity Big Brother winner said.

"The first thing is, you're in denial about it. I could do my job, I could go on half cut and enjoy it. I used to do TV shows."

Davidson urged fans struggling with the disease to seek help from a GP or talk to your friends adding: "You have to accept that you are powerless over alcohol. My life was uncontrollable."