US rapper Eminem has revealed Sir Elton John helped him beat his well-documented drug problems.

The rapper, who befriended Sir Elton after the pair performed on stage together at the 2001 Grammy awards, said the singer understood the pressures of fame.

The rapper also said that he still contacted the singer when he needed advice.

"I talk to Elton a lot,” Eminem told the Detroit Metro Times.

"Me and him have had similar lives and stuff. We became friends and I talk to him about things, career-wise."

The rapper added: "When I first wanted to get sober, I called [Elton] and spoke to him about it.

“He's somebody who's in the business and can identify and relate to the lifestyle and how hectic things can be.

"He understands ... the pressure and any other reasons that you want to come up with for doing drugs.

"I reached out to him and told him, 'Look, I'm going through a problem and I need your advice.'"

Eminem will make a special appearance tonight on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on BBC at 10.35pm.

(by Jason Gregory)