The Libertines are merely “on ice” according to Carl Barat, and he and Pete Doherty could play together again at any time.

The tempestuous pairing finally went their separate ways in late 2004 following the release of The Libertines ill-fated and acrimoniously recorded second album.

Barat went on to form his own band Dirty Pretty Things - who have just released their debut album - whilst Doherty has concentrated on Babyshambles, supermodels, tabloid drug notoriety and getting arrested as many times as humanly possible.

However - despite admitting the protracted split from his songwriting partner and spiritual buddy left him severely depressed – Barat says he's still in intermittent contact with Doherty and considers The Libertines to be on hold, ready to go again at any time.

In a new interview with The Scotsman he says, “I like to think I left it on ice. We're obviously busy with other things, but I like it when I see Pete as long as it's not really public.

“He's not the kind of guy you can go out for a pint with and say, 'I've got to go in an hour.' You've just got to buckle up your seatbelt and get ready for the ride.

"By the very nature of my and Pete's relationship, we could be back on stage before you know it."