Morrissey has tried to end speculation that he had a gay relationship with former Smiths band mate Johnny Marr.

The rumours have been in circulation since the song writing team joined forces in 1982 when Morrissey was approached by the guitarist.

"There was a love and it was mutual and equal but it wasn't physical,” Morrissey said.

"There are lots of people post-Smiths who would like to make some dramatic homosexual story. There never was one.

"It's often said that Johnny rescued me but he was also bobbing about in his own lifeboat."