A former BBC newsreader whose alcohol abuse led to him sleeping rough has now left rehab and moved into a flat - above an off-licence.

Ed Mitchell, 54, came out of The Priory, a rehabilitation centre in London, after a fiveweek programme to help him in his battle against alcohol.

He immediately moved into the flat in Shoreham above the shop.

However, despite the temptation, he believes it will not be a problem.

He said: "There are pubs and off-licences everywhere but the craving for drink has left me.

"I still take each day as it comes and have to be vigilant because there is no cure."

The father of two, who once interviewed Margaret Thatcher during his 20-year career in the media, hit national headlines after The Argus discovered him sleeping rough on the seafront in Hove before Christmas.

Mr Mitchell put his demise down to a 15-year addiction to alcohol and spiralling credit card debts, which forced him to declare himself bankrupt.

His story has attracted huge media interest and countless offers of accommodation and work.

But one offer changed his life.

Dan Butcher, owner of The Recovery Network, a website which helps people with addictions, agreed to pay the fees for Mr Mitchell's rehabilitation programme if he worked with him to produce film footage for the website.

Seven weeks on from his first interview with The Argus, Mr Mitchell is a healthier and happier man.

He said: "Dan's the best thing to come out of all this.

"Being able to give up drink and no longer being homeless means I've got my life and selfrespect back.

"It's very difficult to give up alcohol when it's got a grip on you but after 28 days I feel lighter of step. It makes you see more clearly and appreciate things."

The intensive treatment involved working for 12 hours a day.

He said: "It wasn't a holiday camp or a health spa. It was very rigorous.

"I went into rehabilitation about ten years ago but I had the wrong attitude then.

"I thought I knew more than the therapist at that time but this time was different - I was willing to listen."

And Mr Mitchell says he only has to watch the documentary of his life, which was aired earlier this month, to be reminded of the way he acted before undergoing the rehabilitation treatment.

He said: "For me it was harrowing and raw to watch.

"I had hit rock bottom and it was watched by millions of people. It was a very public wake-up call."

Since moving into the rented flat, which he is paying for with money generated from media interviews and the documentary, Mr Mitchell says his relationship with family members has improved.

He is now in discussions with a television producer about presenting a show alongside his son, looking at the issue of homelessness throughout the world.

jessica.bauldry @theargus.co.uk

  • Click here to see a video interview with Ed Mitchell.

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