Eminem was rushed to hospital over the Christmas period after suffering from heart pains.

The rapper, real name Marshall Mathers, was taken to a Detroit hospital but was soon released and is now recovering at home.

His publicist has revealed the pains were due to complications resulting from his recent bout of pneumonia.

He said: "Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor's care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia. He is now recovering at home."

Eminem has also reportedly gained weight in the past few months, with the 5ft 8in singer now tipping the scales at 203lbs.

The rap star is set to come out of his self-imposed retirement this year with the release of his new album, rumored to be called 'King Mathers'. It will be his first studio release since 2004's 'Encore'.