MATT OFFERS STRUGGLING STAR WORD OF ADVICE

MATT Cardle says troubled Ant McPartlin needs to forget about his huge telly career if he is going to beat his addictions to drink and prescription drugs.

Recovering addict Matt advised the Britain’s Got Talent host to disappear after he comes out of rehab and not think about returning to work until he’s 100 per cent better.

Matt said: “The last thing Ant needs to worry about is his career or getting back to work. I know there’s pressure to get back on TV because of how good Ant and Dec are as presenters.

“But he needs to focus on his health and forget about his career because that’s the only way he will get better.

“I went away fishing and basically didn’t pick up my phone for three months after rehab.”

The former X Factor winner has taken four years to get his career fully back on track. He has re-signed a major record deal with Sony and

releases brilliant new album Time To Be Alive on Friday.

While Matt didn’t defend Ant’s drink-driving charge, he doesn’t believe the Geordie should feel guilt or shame over his actual addiction.

He said: “There’s no shame or guilt to be had in a drink or drug addiction. He has to take responsibility but I don’t think he should feel ashamed.

“Addiction is such a slippery snake and it can get hold of you so easily.“

After losing his record deal, Matt turned to prescription drugs including tramadol, the same drug Ant found himself addicted to. While mental health is no longer a taboo subject Matt believes people still see addiction as a choice rather than an illness.

He added: “Mental health and addiction go hand in hand. Addiction is a by-product of mental health but people see it as more of a choice than mental health but it isn’t.

“I know so many people in the industry who use alcohol and prescription drugs to cope. It is so fast acting. It can get you around the throat in weeks.”

New single Desire is out now. Time To Be Alive is available for pre-order.