The Everyday is Like Sunday singer was diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus in October (14), but he admits he's getting to grips with his cancer, and feels very positive.

He tells U.S. news veteran Larry King, "They (doctors) scrape it occasionally and I have medication, but I'm OK. Lots of people have it and they fade away... I'm in bloom, I'm absolutely blooming."

Recalling the moment he was told he had cancer, Morrissey says, "You don't really hear that word, that C-word, you don't really hear when people say it. It just seems to drift over you. You just say yes, 'Oh yes, yes, yes'. Later, when you're on the stairs by yourself, it triggers in your mind."

But one thing Morrissey has had less success with is his ongoing battle with depression, which he calls "the black dog".

The former The Smiths star admits he wakes up most mornings feeling low, but has stopped taking prescribed medication for his condition, insisting nothing works.

He explains, "There is no cure and I think it's part of being a sensitive, open human... I've been through everything; it's just pointless."

Asked if he has ever considered taking his life, the singer adds, "It crosses everybody's mind. Everybody thinks about it, even people who mistakenly assume they're happy."