Ozzy Osbourne denies 'split' reports

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne have been married since 1982

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has denied reports he and wife Sharon are divorcing but has admitted to being "in a very dark place" since 2011.

"For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs," he revealed in a Facebook message.

The singer apologised to his family and friends for his "insane behaviour" and announced he was "now 44 days sober".

His message followed reports this week he and his wife of more than 30 years had separated and were living apart.

Born in Birmingham in 1948, Osbourne became known as the "Prince of Darkness" for his colourful on-stage antics and hedonistic lifestyle.

Outside of his music, he is best known for appearing with his family on MTV reality show The Osbournes.

The 64-year-old left Black Sabbath in 1979 but rejoined last year. The heavy metal band is set to release a new album in June.

In his message, posted on Tuesday, Osbourne said sorry to his fans and that he was "just trying to be a better person".