His overtly homophobic lyrics have got him into hot water before on this side of the Atlantic.

But  during an appearance on Jonathan Ross, U.S. rapper Eminem hinted he may tour Britain again, saying he isn’t ruling anything out.

The star is already lined up to play T In The Park in Scotland this summer.

Saluting the fans: Eminem waves as he leaves Maida Vale studios in London today where he performed some live tracks on Fearne Cotton’s show

However, the last time he toured the country in 2001, gay rights group OutRage! protested outside his shows, saying his lyrics were homophobic.

Although Eminem claims his lyrics are not meant to be taken seriously, gay rights groups objected to his use of the word ‘faggot’ and called him a ‘gay-basher’.

Asked about performing more gigs in Britain, he told Ross on his Friday night chat show, to be screened tonight: ‘I’m taking it as it comes, I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.’

Eminem was to perform in London in 2005 but cancelled the European leg of his world tour citing ‘exhaustion’, although it later emerged he was addicted to sleeping pills.

Shady’s back: The rapper performs on Jonathan Ross’s Friday night chat show, to be screened tonight, where he hints he may tour the UK again after nine years

He returned for a secret show at the O2 Academy in Islington in 2004 – the last time he performed in London.

Eminem also tells Ross how  LL Cool J, another guest on the show, has been his biggest influence.

He said: ‘Hearing him made me want to rap, that’s what did it for me.’

Earlier today, the 37-year-old, who is set to release his seventh studio album Recovery  on June 22, appeared on Fearne Cotton’s Radio 1 show.

Speaking about a new collaborative track with Pink, called Won’t Back Down, he described her as ‘a rebel’.

The song is currently available for fans to hear on the internet.

Making a stand: The rapper also talks about how LL Cool J has been his biggest influence

He said: ‘I’ve always respected what she [Pink] does.

‘When we did the track I heard her on it and knew vocally she’d smash it.’

Barbadian star Rihanna also makes an appearance on the album on a track called  Love The Way You Lie.

He told Cotton: ‘The same thing with Rihanna [as Pink]. It would be more special with her on it.’

Eminem played a two-song set for a special Radio 1 Live Lounge, recorded at London’s Maida Vale studio.

He played single Not Afraid and his 2000 single Stan (which sampled Dido) which mixed into a cover of Jason Derulo’s Forever Means Forever.

As he left, he was mobbed by around 100 fans who were lining the streets outside.