ANT FEELS LOVE

Bosses helping fallen star to shine

JUNGLE bosses are on a mission to help Ant McPartlin get his life back on track.

Producers are pulling out all the stops to support the presenter as he continues his battle with depression and addiction problems.

Ant went into rehab this summer after getting hooked on painkillers.

He has been advised against doing interviews in the run up to the new series, which kicks off tonight.

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to ensure he is not seen boozing on camera.

A show insider said: “During filming of the celebrity arrivals, there was champagne for everyone, but Ant didn’t seem too keen to have any while he was working. He was in work mode – he wasn’t the relaxed character everyone is used to seeing.”

Ant has also been offered access to round-the-clock counselling services for the duration of the ITV series. Our insider added: “Everyone involved in the show is doing everything they can to help get Ant back to his best.

“He also has the option of speaking to the on-site psychologists.”

Ant turned 42 yesterday but bosses scheduled filming for most of the day, meaning there was no time to party.

Usually, a boozy bash is laid on at one of the bars in Coolangatta, the town on the Gold Coast where the crew stay.

But Ant marked the occasion with a low-key celebration alongside co-host Dec Donnelly. He was given two cakes by pals in the crew.

In a Twitter post he said: “G’day! Thank you for all my Aussie birthday best wishes. You lot are Bonza!”

Ant, left, secretly battled drug addiction for two years while struggling with pain from a knee injury. Even his best friend Dec had no idea what he was going through.

At one point Ant’s addiction got so bad a pills “binge” left him so ill he had to be rushed to hospital.

I’m A Celebrity chiefs are said to be thrilled he was well enough to return for the new series.

A TV source said: “The execs are so pleased Ant has been able to return.

“But they still feel an enormous duty of care towards him. They plan to help him every step of the way.”

Ant also suffered recent speculation that his marriage to wife Lisa Armstrong was on the rocks.

It had been claimed their relationship was in trouble because they were struggling to have a baby.

But Lisa denied they are “estranged” and Ant was seen wearing his wedding ring when he landed in Australia last week.