Mum to aid TV host’s recovery after crash shock
ANT McPartlin will turn to his mum for support this week after his drinkdrive shame, sources say.
Christine Woodhall, 61, was in the TV presenter’s car when he crashed.
She was said to be shocked by his secret drinking but is “there for him” as he recovers in rehab. Christine was due back in the UK yesterday after a break in Florida for the final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway, booked before Ant went into rehab.
A source said: “She hopes to be able to see him or speak to him. She was very shocked by the court case.
“It’s been a real wake-up call for everyone. She was not aware of his drinking when he got into the car; she would have said something. But she will help him sort himself out.”
Ant is also close to his sister Sarha, who lives next door to Christine in Newcastle.
He is getting treatment for “alcohol and emotional issues”. Sources say the star has been under “tremendous pressure” in his private life. The Mirror told how the end of his relationship with wife of 11 years Lisa, 41, announced in January, had become increasingly acrimonious.
But Ant’s family and friends were convinced he had given up any binge drinking after his addiction to painkillers was revealed last year.