Doherty sorry for latest heroin lapse

LONDON (Reuters) - Rocker Pete Doherty apologised on Wednesday for taking heroin last week at a time when he claimed he was beating his addiction, and said he would check back into a rehab clinic.

The lead singer of Babyshambles, who is a favourite with tabloids for an on-off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss and drug-related court appearances, told a music magazine last week that he was off heroin and "mourning for an armful."

But the next day he was filmed taking heroin and images appeared in the Sun newspaper.

"Doherty would like to apologise to the medical staff, fans and wellwishers who have helped and encouraged his progress in fighting his addiction to heroin," his record label EMI said in a statement.

"His ongoing rehabilitation was a source of such pride to him that Peter and those closest to him thought that he was close to winning his personal battle with the drug.

"However, Peter sadly relapsed last week and is now looking to check himself back into a rehab clinic so that he can try to continue the hitherto excellent attempts he had made to break free of heroin."

He called his latest relapse "a stupid, stupid action for which I feel only shame."

Doherty, 28, won plaudits for his performance with the Babyshambles at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Munich last week, and told Reuters afterwards that "it's all different now".

A spokesman said Doherty had cancelled an appearance on a music TV show on Tuesday, but added that a planned arena tour starting later this month would go ahead.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White)