Williams agrees to enter rehab

Ted Williams is headed for rehab.

The formerly homeless Ohio man, who became an overnight sensation after a newspaper posted a video showcasing his mellifluous voice, has agreed to enter a facility to treat his alcohol and drug dependency. That problem helped ruin a broadcast career and led him to live in a makeshift camp behind an abandoned gas station.

While taping his third appearance on "Dr. Phil," airing Thursday, Williams, 53, agreed to go to a private facility, representatives for the show said.

"If Ted is ever going to get better, he's got to be honest with himself and admit he's addicted to drugs and alcohol," said Dr. Phil McGraw. "I've told him it's not going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of hard work. It might be a long journey for him, but this is a big step in the right direction."

Williams' publicity firm, Battle Plan Promotions, said treatment would allow Williams the chance to "decompress, rest and get the professional help that he needs."

Members of Williams' long-estranged family - ex-wife Patricia and five of his nine children - are also scheduled to appear on today's episode to discuss his heavy drinking and the challenges it presents to his second-chance opportunities.