The Voice contestant Beth Morris speaks out about her drug addiction after pulling out of competition

'Two years ago I realised that I had a problem with drugs. I was using them to cope with various issues I was going through at the time,' says Morris

The singer also said she had regularly attended Narcotics Anonymous meetings during her relapses

The Voice contestant Beth Morris has said she is keen to continue recovering from her drug addiction after pulling out of the singing competition.

The BBC confirmed Morris, from Maidenhead, had left the show in a statement on Saturday.

While the BBC said she left for “personal reasons”, Morris told The Sun on Sunday she had relapsed after gaining treatment for a “problem with drugs”.

“Two years ago I realised that I had a problem with drugs. I was using them to cope with various issues I was going through at the time,” the 26-year-old said.

“I made the decision myself to seek treatment and checked into the Priory clinic. It gave me strength and helped me face the world. It changed me for the better.

“But addiction is tough. And I am sorry to say that I have relapsed on a few occasions since I left.”

The singer also said she regularly attends Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

In the statement released to The Sun on Sunday, Morris also thanked the production team, the contestants and her mentor, Paloma Faith, for their support.

“I’m truly sorry I’ve let everyone down. But I’m determined to put this behind me, continue with my recovery and channel all my energies into my singing,” she added.

A spokesperson from the BBC told The Independent: “Producers were not made aware of Beth’s issues when she joined The Voice. When they came to light this week we agreed with her that the best course of action would be to withdraw from the competition.

"We are offering her all the support she needs and wish her well with her recovery and her future career.”