Eminem was hospitalised over Christmas to be treated for heart problems resulting from a bout of pneumonia, his spokesperson revealed yesterday.

The rapper is said to have been suffering from a number of health problems of late and medication has caused him to gain weight - he now weighs around 200lbs (over 14stone) - further compounding the problem.

His spokesperson confirmed his festive treatment yesterday: “Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor’s care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia.

“He has since been released and is doing well recovering at home.”