David Duchovny in rehab for sex addiction

IT would appear David Duchovny may not have been acting in his role as the sex-obsessed star of US TV show Californication.

In the latest case of reality imitating art, the 48-year-old who plays the promiscuous Hank Moody in the hit series, is being treated for sex addiction.

The actor who is married and has two children with actress Tea Leoni has checked into rehab for the “illness”.

In a short statement released to the US media, Duchovny said: "I have voluntarily entered a facility for the treatment of sex addiction.

"I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family."

The star, who picked up a Golden Globe for his skilful portrayal of single dad and struggling writer Hank Moody, rose to fame as the conspiracy-minded FBI agent Fox Mulder on the 1990s paranormal thriller The X Files.

His career received a re-vamp when Californication hit US and UK screens on Channel Five in 2007.

Before entering treatment, Duchovny spoke about the “freedom” he found in playing a self-destructive character.

He said: "That was one of the things that attracted me to want to play that role.

“There's a certain kind of reprehensible quality to the guy sometimes that I thought, well, this is really interesting to try to make this relatable or to make this guy somebody that you'd want to pull for even though he's not pulling for himself.”

Other big names who have received treatment for sex addiction include Michael Douglas, Rob Lowe, Woody Harrelson and Russell Brand.

But cynics have raised doubts over the truth of Duchovny’s admission, suggesting it could be a PR stunt to advertise Californication’s second season, which premieres in the US on 28 September.