HOLLYWOOD star Jim Carrey has failed in a bid to get a wrongful death lawsuit over his ex-girlfriend's suicide thrown out of court.

A judge confirmed a trial would go ahead over claims by Cathriona White's mum, Brigid Sweetman, who lives in Clacton, which state the actor used his "wealth, influence and celebrity status" to provide the prescription drugs on which Ms White, 30, overdosed.

The Irish make-up artist's husband, Mark Burton, has joined Mrs Sweetman in suing the Dumb And Dumber star in Los Angeles.

Michael Avenatti, who represents the pair, said: "In light of the court's recent rulings entirely in our favour, we look forward to the trial in April.

"The public deserves to know the truth."

Carrey's lawyer Raymond Boucher had asked Los Angeles Superior Court to strike out the case.

But Judge Deirdre Hill ruled Carrey should face a jury over the claims of wrongful death and allegations under the Drug Dealer Liability Act.

She also ruled against Carrey's privacy request and said the jury should hear medical evidence regarding claims he gave Ms White three sexually transmitted diseases.

Mr Boucher denied Carrey would now attempt to settle the case, adding: "We are preparing for trial."

Carrey also dropped a request for Ms Sweetman to put a bond of $372,000 - about £290,000 - aside to go towards the comedian's costs if he is successful in fending off the case.

Mr Boucher wrote to the court asking for the request to be dismissed on the basis that Ms Sweetman lacks the means to pay and is ill.

Ms White, from Cappawhite, in Co Tipperary, Ireland, was found dead in her Los Angeles home in September 2015.

Canadian-born Carrey previously dismissed the allegations as "malicious" and "predatory".

The 20-day trial is due to begin on April 26 next year.