Spencer Pratt claims his father asked him to change his last name because he was embarrassed by his son's career on 'The Hills'.

The reality TV star - who went bankrupt after finding fame on the MTV series - says dad was unhappy with his behaviour on the programme and didn't want to be associated with him.

Asked what the rock bottom moment in his life has been, Spencer said: ''My father, who's a respected dentist, asked me to change my last name because he had to keep explaining me away to people. I was depressed; I gained 50 pounds.''

Spencer - who is married to his former 'The Hills' co-star Heidi Pratt - has spent years trying to repair his public image from the obnoxious and villainous character he has appeared as on 'The Hills' and other shows such as UK series 'Celebrity Big Brother'.

However, Spencer, 31, admits he couldn't resist returning to his old ways on the new series of 'Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars'.

He told In Touch Weekly magazine: ''I love reality TV, it's how I met my wife. I had big plans to redeem myself on the show, but I went back to my old ways because I want to entertain people. I hate feeling boring.''

Spencer insists being on 'Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars' brought him and Heidi closer together and they are now ready to start a family.

He said: ''Heidi wants babies, but I was scared. Now I'm ready for a child. I'm going to be a stay-at-home dad!''