Lorraine’s shock confession
After Ant McPartlin admitted to drink and drug addictions, Lorraine Kelly reveals she’s been there, too...
As half of the TV phenomenon that is Ant and Dec, Ant McPartlin, 41, is one of Britain’s most familyfriendly entertainers. So when he revealed he was entering rehab to tackle alcohol and prescription-drug issues last week, his fans were left stunned.
The TV star’s decision to go public has been universally applauded, but one supporter stood out as having more insight than most into the famous Geordie’s plight.
TV host Lorraine Kelly admitted that she understood Ant’s struggle.
After suffering a serious thigh injury as the result of a riding accident in 2012, the 57-year-old mum-of-one was prescribed the painkiller tramadol – a drug to which Ant has allegedly become addicted to after undergoing unsuccessful knee surgery two-and-a-half years ago.
Speaking about Ant’s news, Lorraine said that the medication ‘makes everything fantastic, but your head is full of cotton wool’.
The sensible Scot quickly recognised the dark downside of its opiate effect, stating, ‘I actually came off it... I wanted the pain.’
Concern for Ant was first raised when he was spotted last month wearing a heavy leg brace on his right knee.
During a recent recording of Britain’s Got Talent, viewers also noticed that he seemed less mobile than usual and made some uncharacteristic mistakes – including when he got finalist magician Issy Simpson’s name wrong.
In a statement the I’m A Celeb… host said, ‘I’ve spoken out as I think it’s important that people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time, and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.’
In the past, Ant has talked about his struggles with depression and the fact that he and wife Lisa Armstrong, who he married in 2006, have had problems conceiving.
He now faces two months in rehab, where contact with the outside world is banned.
Both Lisa and Ant’s TV partner, Declan Donnelly, 41, have pledged their support. Lisa tweeted, ‘ We just need him better’ and Dec said the ‘ big man’ would be touched by messages from fans.
Meanwhile, ITV insists that Ant can take as long as he needs to recover, which could potentially see Dec fronting shows such as I’m A Celebrity... alone.
We wish Ant well, and we can’t wait to see him back on TV. Let’s hope that’s sooner rather than later, because the jungle just wouldn’t be the same without him.