Jonathan Rhys Meyers going to rehab

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is returning to rehab.

The Irish actor – who was banned from boarding a United Airlines flight at John F. Kennedy airport in New York because he was drunk earlier this month – is set to return to London where he will receive treatment for alcoholism for a fourth time.

A source told People magazine: “He just really wants to get better. This has been an ongoing battle for him.”

The ‘Tudors’ star – who has been with his girlfriend, the 23-year-old heiress Reena Hammer since 2004 – was reportedly told by his girlfriend that he needed to quit drinking and seek treatment for anger management, else he would lose her.

She apparently told him: “Check in to rehab or I’m dumping you.”

A source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: “She told him to get serious counselling for his drink and anger problems or else she will be taking a hike – out of his life.”

This is not the first time Jonathan has got into trouble before embarking on a flight.

Last year, he was arrested at a bar in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport for reportedly challenging police to a fight.

He was also taken into custody in Ireland in November 2007 for drunkenly rowing with airport staff, only seven months after checking into rehab for the second time.

The actor has previously spoken about his battle with alcohol, saying: “When I do drink I’m like Bambi. I’m all over the place, hopeless, like a 16-year-old kid. People notice.”

Jonathan’s representative confirmed he is again seeking treatment for his addiction, but declined any further comment.