Rocker 'led Yates astray'

LONDON - Paula Yates would have recovered from the death of her lover Michael Hutchence had it not been for the drink and drugs to which he introduced her, a new documentary claims.

The hour-long film, The Real Paula Yates, follows the life of the colourful TV personality, who was found dead at her London home in September.

Using interviews with close friends and colleagues, the documentary charts her marriage to Bob Geldof, her affair with rock star Hutchence and her efforts to deal with his death in Sydney in 1997.

Several friends claim her downfall began when she left Geldof and started the relationship with Hutchence.

- NZPA