Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I just need to get my Ant better...
Dec thanks fans for support Wife’s relief as he gets help
ANT Mcpartlin’s worried wife Lisa has told of her relief after the star finally checked into rehab to battle his addiction to booze and drugs. And it was pal Declan Donnelly who persuaded his TV co-host to seek professional counselling as he plunged into a spiral of despair. It was revealed Ant became hooked on the heavy duty painkiller Tramadol after “botched” knee surgery two years ago left him in agony. He is also understood to have been drinking heavily and faced a battle with depression and anxiety. After message flooded in from celebs and fans alike, Lisa – who has been married to Ant since 2006 – said yesterday she was “completely overwhelmed” by the love and support. The make-up artist added: “It means so much. I’m relieved he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.” The couple’s relationship had been under strain as they struggled to start a family. Things were said to have come to a head on Friday where Ant poured out his drug and drink problems during a crisis meeting at his home in Chiswick, South West London, with wife Lisa, Dec and other friends. His closest pal, who lives next door, insisted he sought help. After the Britain’s Got Talent co-host checked into a rehab clinic in the capital, Dec said: “Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated.” Geordie Ant, who is expected to stay in rehab for two months, said in a statement: “I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry. “I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time. “I’ve spoken out because I think it’s important people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.” Dec’s mum Annie said at her home in Newcastle: “Ant has been incredibly brave. It came as a huge shock to us all.” Ant’s problems started two years ago, when he underwent an operation to fix a cartilage in his knee. He feels the operation was “botched” as he was left with a fracture, which eventually led to his kneecap slipping. Last Tuesday, Ant underwent surgery at a different hospital, Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London. He will not be able to walk for the next six weeks, so will recover using a wheelchair. The source added: “Ant’s knee has been dreadful. In the past six months it’s got progressively worse. “He couldn’t have the operation during Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent. He’s a professional and didn’t want to do the show while recovering. “He would have to painkiller himself
up to the max to go and present the show, and then literally hop off set and lie down in his dressing room again. He was in agony.” Stars and fans took to Twitter to lend their support to Ant as he battles his demons. TV presenter Piers Morgan, who starred alongside the duo on Britain’s Got Talent, said: “Few nicer people in showbusiness than Ant Mcpartlin. Wish him all the best as he sorts himself out.” Lord Sugar added: “Very brave Ant to go public. This is the first stage of the road to recovery. All the best Ant, it will all be sorted for sure.” Dame Kelly Holmes posted: “As I say at every speech I do, we are all human. Best wishes to Ant and Dec You will come back stronger, your fans love you #itsgoodtotalk.” Fan Michelle Rutherford wrote: “Ant Mcpartlin checking into rehab serves as a reminder that mental health issues have no boundaries. Well done for speaking out.” Gary Whalen added: “Get well soon Ant. You will always be a legend and the Geordie nation is right behind you.” Liz Lewis said: “Saddened by the news but life in the spotlight is never easy. Much love from me and millions and hoping you find peace.” And Tony wrote: “Ant and Dec supported my wife’s nephew through cancer. Outstanding fella, he totally deserves all the love and support. All the best.” A spokeswoman for ITV, who have signed the pair on a £30million golden handcuffs deal, said: “We wish Ant all the best for a speedy recovery.” The pair are not due back on screen until November when they will fly to Australia to film I’m A Celebrity… Dec and his wife Ali have since left the UK on a planned trip. Ant admitted in 2013 he had tried drugs in the past. Just a few weeks ago, he went on a pub crawl in Ireland, where he was pictured drinking pints of Guinness with Dec and locals while the duo filmed a TV series. The pair, both 41, stopped off at several haunts. Days earlier, the presenters had picked up a TV BAFTA for Saturday Night Takeaway. Lisa, met Ant at the Smash Hits tour in Newcastle in 1994, while she was part of band Deuce. He was 18 and she 17. After dating for 11 years, they wed in Taplow, Bucks, with Dec as best man. But the pair have told of their struggle to have children, admitting in 2013 they were “finding it tough”. And Ant said this year: “We would love to have a family so fingers crossed. “If we’re blessed with children then we’d be over the moon.” Lisa was pictured carrying beer and wine to their home just two days before her husband went into rehab. If you’re struggling with addictions, visit mind.org.uk or call the charity on 0300 123 3393 to seek help.
He would have to painkiller himself up to present the show SOURCE ON ANT’S BATTLE WITH PAIN WHILE FILMING