Ashton suicidal on Two and a Half Men

Los Angeles - Ashton Kutcher's Two and a Half Men character will be suicidal.

The star will be introduced as new main character Walden Schmidt for the forthcoming ninth series of the show - replacing Charlie Sheen, who was fired earlier this year - and he has given away a few details as to what his entrance will be like.

During an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, he said: "I'm very heartbroken over this break-up that's taken place - I may, in some way, shape, or form, be trying to kill myself."

Ashton's character will bear little resemblance to Sheen's hard-partying Charlie Harper, whose funeral will take place in the first episode of the new series.

Viewers will see Walden move into Charlie's old house with the former character's brother, played by Jon Cryer, and his nephew, portrayed by Angus T Jones.

Ashton added: "I show up when Jon Cryer's character needs me the most."

Keep the beard

When Ashton was asked by David why he was sporting a shaggy beard, he replied: "Believe it or not they requested this."

The 33-year-old star also praised the departing Charlie, calling him a "lingual genius", and admitted he was hesitant to replace him because he "didn't want to be a troll" - the preferred term the actor uses for people who are against him.

Ashton added: "But I think it's going to go through the roof, I really do. I've been laughing really hard."

Two and a Half Men returns to US screens on September 19.