Dirty Pretty Things frontman Carl Barat says he plans to ask comedian Russell Brand to help him cut down on his drinking.

Barat, who was recently diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, has been told he can't drink for three months.

And he thinks that Brand, who tackled drug and alcohol problems to re-launch his career, is the perfect person to help him.

“The two of us will have to get together for a sober night out. Russell sips water. But I have to have Diet Coke,” he told the Sun newspaper.

Barat also revealed that he was in “constant” pain while in hospital recently.

“But it has tested me and given me more time to think. Mornings are a lot easier. I can think things through properly,” he added.

(by Jason Gregory)