(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Boy George found the idea of being grown up abhorrent as recently as five years ago, even though he was already in his 40s.

The 49-year-old star resolutely refused to act his age until recently, citing things which happened in his personal life as the reason for his change of heart.

In 2009, he served four months of a 15-month sentence for the assault and false imprisonment of a male escort in his London apartment. He has spoken extensively about how much time inside changed him, and says it is one of the reasons he decided to change his life.

Its all about growing up and actually five or ten years ago I wouldnt have been able to say Id grown up, the idea would have been abhorrent to me. But now I can actually say in the last few years Ive done a lot of growing up and its made my life a lot better, he explained.

I try to enjoy what I do, I dont look at it like a chore. Im able to say no to things. If I dont want to do something, I dont cause a drama I just say no. So that is the thing youve got to learn, to protect yourself and make sure youre comfortable in what you do.

The star released a solo album last year called Ordinary Alien, some of which was written while he was incarcerated. Boy George real name George ODowd wants all his fans to hear the record as it gives a real insight into his state of mind, and how he dealt with what was happening to him.

I kind of use my writing like a diary, so I write about things that are very personal to me, things that Ive experienced, things that have affected me and that I feel strongly about. The music I make is always personal, it always reflects things that are going on in my life. At the moment things are kind of gorgeous, he told the BBC.

Its amazing how you can bounce back from these things. Ive surprised myself really with my resilience. Yes it [prison] did happen, but it feels so long ago now. (C) Cover Media