John Galliano’s problems have been well documented; he was fired from his role at Christian Dior for anti-sematic remarks made in a drunken haze. But now, for the first time since his controversial dismissal, and in, what he claims, is his first sober interview, Galliano explains all.

"I was going to end up in a mental asylum or six feet under... it sounds a bit bizarre, but I am so grateful for what did happen. I have learned so much about myself. I have re-discovered that little boy who had the hunger to create, which I think I had lost. I am alive," he said. Dior dismissed him as chief designer in March 2011, for saying "I love Hitler,"and "Your mother, your forefathers would be fucking gassed and fucking dead." Since then, he hasn’t worked in fashion much, other than a few guest spots and a short teaching stint at a New York school. "It's the worst thing I have said in my life, but I didn't mean it ... I have been trying to find out why that anger was directed at this race. I now realise I was so fucking angry and so discontent with myself that I just said the most spiteful thing I could," he said.

Things are looking up for the once-disgraced designer, though. Reports suggest that he’s setting up for a high-profile US television interview, perhaps with PBS journalist Charlie Rose. The fashion world loves controversy, and now that he’s becoming an acceptable face again, together with his contrition, there’s no doubt he’ll be a leading star once again.

John GallianoA new leaf for Mr Galliano?

John GallianoGalliano says his remarks make him feel sick