Take That’s Howard Donald is in hot water after demanding cannabis be legalised.

The 39-year-old singer sparked outrage by insisting the drug is less harmful than alcohol - and that if everyone was "stoned" the world would be a better place.

Howard said: "Cannabis should be legalised. If more people went out stoned than drunk I think there would be less fighting, less trouble, and less violence."

But anti-drugs campaigners have slammed the pop star's "irresponsible" claims as "rubbish", because cannabis use can trigger serious mental illness.

It is not the first time Howard has spoken openly about drugs.

He previously admitted: "As a band we dabbled with ecstasy and liked the odd spliff, but who doesn't?"

Howard's bandmate Gary Barlow has previously admitted to regular cannabis use.

Last year, Gary said: "In 2000 when I was dropped as a solo artist I was smoking 15 spliffs a day.

"At the end of the night, I would smoke only half my last joint so when I woke up I could have the other half before reality set in."

Rebel yell!

Last year, Take That reunited for a hugely successful world tour and hit comeback album Beautiful World.

Howard is recovering after his lung collapsed while on tour in Milan in October.