Cat Deeley: I’d no idea that Ant was an addict
Star praises pal for seeking help
TV host Cat Deeley has told of her shock that old pal Ant McPartlin has been fighting drug addiction.
Cat, who has had huge success in the US fronting hit series Sing, says all seemed OK when they met up to film a comedy sketch in April, just before his problems hit the headlines in June.
Praising Ant’s decision to seek help, she said he’ll soon be well and everyone would “love him even more for it”.
The mum-of-one, who starred with Ant and sidekick Declan Donnelly for years on kids’ show SM:tv, added: “The last time I saw them was in Florida when we did the ‘Missing Crown Jewels’ thing in April. Ant seemed absolutely fine.”
Weeks later the ITV star checked in to rehab. He confessed an addiction to prescription drugs and also needed help for alcohol and substance abuse. His problems were said to stem from depression sparked by a serious knee injury. Cat, 40, went on: “He’s made the decision to do something about it, which should be applauded. Everybody makes mistakes.”
Talking of her closeness to the Geordie pair, she said: “We won’t speak for ages, and then we’ll see each other and it’s like no time has passed.” She said of SM:tv: “There was heartbreak, craziness and good times. When you share that no matter how much time goes by, they’re a massive part of your life.”
The trio are due in a special next year to mark the show’s 20th anniversary.