Tom Sandoval lost "control" amid his affair with Rachel Leviss.

The 'Vanderpump Rules' star split from Ariana Madix after it emerged that he had a months-long affair with Rachel, 29 - but Tom has now insisted that he's a changed man.

The 40-year-old star told 'Entertainment Tonight': "The Tom that was here [last time] was a dude lost in a cyclone.

"Like somebody who was just lost in the ocean, barely hanging on to an old wooden door like in the [end of] Titanic. Literally just not in control. No idea what the hell's going on."

Tom's perspective on life has also changed in light of the cheating scandal.

He shared: "Going through that has really helped me put in perspective things that are really important. [It] helped me grow, as far as prioritising certain things. And [it] really just put me to the test to see what I'm made of."

Tom acknowledges that he made "a huge mistake".

However, he's also stressed that he's a real human being - and not just a reality TV star.

Tom explained: "I think it's important for people to understand that ... I'm not a character [on a scripted show] ... I'm a human being, like every single one of my castmembers. We really put ourselves out there, you know?

"I, unfortunately, made a huge mistake ... but I am a human being. I'm a real person. Just try to keep that in mind."

Tom's affair prompted widespread criticism and Rachel previously took to social media to apologise to Ariana.

She wrote on Instagram: "I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana. (sic)"