AJ McLean learned his pop persona is "just a character" during a stint in rehab.

The Backstreet Boys star - whose full name is Alexander James McLean - spent years battling substance abuse issues but he's been sober for four years and he's now revealed his most recent "mental health retreat" taught him to separate his boyband persona from his real self and he now wants the world to "get to know Alex".

During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, he explained: "[I went on a] little mental health retreat ... What I got out of that was understanding that AJ is a character in a band.

"It doesn't define me as who I am. I want the world to get to know Alex … I want everyone to kind of get to know me as me. There's not that much of a difference between the two, but one is part of a group, part of a team, and then me on my own.

"I finally realized that I can love myself today, which I do. I can look at myself in the mirror."

AJ has named his new solo album after his full name - calling the record Hi, My Name is Alexander James - and he's excited to share his new music with fans.

He said: "Normally new music comes out, as you know, on a Friday. I've gone against conventional rules my whole life, so I figured why not throw a curveball and put it out on Thanksgiving because, in my mind, I'm so thankful and grateful for the fans that have waited so patiently for this.

"I promise you it's worth the wait."

AJ added: "I'm proud of it. It's been an incredible journey kind of finding my way outside of Backstreet Boys, you know, this kind of journey of self-discovery and really finding my true happiness. I just celebrated four years sober, so … where I am today shows in the music."

He went on to admit he's spent a long time struggling with low self-esteem but now doesn't care if he's liked or not.

AJ said: " It's kind of mind boggling considering what I do … but I wanted you [the fans] to like me and now if you don't like me that's your loss. I'm a good person."