Michael, who recently completed a 20-month jail sentence for drink driving - he hit a telegraph pole at 80mph while twice over the limit - has checked into rehab twice to battle drink and drugs, but he insists he is now clean.

While inside he was dismayed to learn that Lindsay had needed a spell in rehab, too. He was told by fellow inmates who'd heard the news on the prison radio. His concern grew over photos showing her allegedly snorting cocaine, and reports of her constant hard-partying.

"She's an extremely talented actress and at the moment she's wasting the gifts God gave her," he says. "Obviously I've heard all the rumours and comments, but I don't know what to believe. I certainly know the path I'd like her to take. People who are close to both Lindsay and I tell me they are concerned. I would like to be there for my daughter.

"I want to look in her eyes and know the truth. I can help her in a lot of ways."

Although Michael believes he can help Lindsay battle her demons, he feels partly to blame for them. She was deeply hurt by his acrimonious split from her mother Dina, with whom he is locked in a bitter custody battle over visitation rights to their other children - sons Michael, 18, and Dakota, 10, and 12-year-old daughter Aliana.

"I'm hopeful we can work out a solution for the sake of our kids - especially Lindsay," he says. "Sadly, she's the one who's been the most affected by all this.

"I wish Lindsay would put our relationship back on track so maybe her life will get back on track. Her biggest issue today is she doesn't have her family back where it was, when she had a good life and was doing the right things."