The former Smiths frontman, whose hits have included Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, says he considers self-destruction to be an "honourable" act, and he understood why people may choose to take their own lives.

Asked whether he had thought about being in control of his own death, he said: "Yes I have, yes I have and I think self-destruction is honourable.

"I always thought it was. It's an act of great control and I understand people who do it."

The star also tells Desert Island Discs presenter Kirsty Young about the luxury item he would have on his island.

He said: "I would either take a bed - because I like to go to bed - or a bag of sleeping pills, because I might want to make a quick exit.

"I would have to take the bed because going to bed is the highlight of everybody's day... we love to go to sleep, it's the brother of death."

And he adds: "I'm fascinated by the brevity of life and how people use their time because we all know the axe will fall."

Morrissey, whose musical choices included tracks by his heroes the New York Dolls, Klaus Nomi and The Ramones, said he had no interest in settling into a relationship.

"I don't want to settle down until I'm carried out feet first," he said.

"I don't want to be any kind of a happy couple with a photograph on the television set. I find it embarrassing. I'm happier with horses."

When you laugh about people who feel so very lonely their only desire is to die. Well, I'm afraid it doesn't make me smile.

I take it that's one of his?

Yep. Don't you recognise the darkness?

Can’t stand him myself - I just don’t get what’s supposed to be good about him. When he’s on the telly, I switch it off.

I love the Smiths songs and lyrics. The bits I find funny is when he has very dark lyrics against music that's jolly and upbeat.