Underbelly actor Vince Colosimo has spoken out for the first time since he was charged with possessing drugs.

Colosimo, known for his role as gangland boss Alphonse Gangitano in the successful Channel Nine show, has called his drug charge a “wake-up call”.

The 50-year-old – who is due to front court in February on drug possession charges – said it had caused “grief” for his family and friends, News Corp is reporting.

“I have two beautiful children, whom I love more than anything in the world, and I want to be a good role model to them,” Colosimo said.

Court lists show the actor is due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 22, after he was allegedly caught with methamphetamines in September.

The same report quotes Colosimo’s retired father Santo, 80, as saying he “never thought for a minute there was a problem”

“I just never thought my boy would end up like that … we got a shock when we read about it in the papers.

“His mother is sad and been crying. We’re all very worried and will do our bit, as father and mother, to support him.”