Troubled Ant turns to Scarlett
Watch out, Dec, he’s got a new sidekick
He’s made a triumphant return to prime-time TV, taking his rightful place next to Declan Donnelly for this year’s I’m A Celeb. But behind the scenes, it’s not just his long-term sidekick that Ant Mcpartlin’s been leaning on as he continues to recover from his addictions. Sources tell heat the 41 year old has found unlikely support in Scarlett Moffatt – who’s hosting spin-off show Extra Camp – and, thousands of miles away from home, she’s quickly becoming one of his closest confidantes.
“Ant and Scarlett have formed a close friendship since she won the show last year. Both he and Dec have been very supportive of her career and helped her out, including giving her a presenting role on Saturday Night Takeaway,” a source close to the TV presenter tells heat. “They’re both loving being out in Australia together.”
There’s no doubt that Ant’s career is firmly back on track after he revealed in June that he’d been dealing with substance and alcohol issues for the past two years. He spent two months in a rehab facility, then an additional month recuperating in LA.
But while he’s back to his happy-chappy best in front of the camera, he’s still struggling to deal with the aftermath his issues have had on his 11-year marriage to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong.
Although the couple are said to be working hard to deal with their much-reported problems, the distance between them – she’s remained in London as she works on Strictly Come Dancing – has done nothing to aid their efforts. But luckily for Ant, 27-year-old Scarlett, who’s apparently also dealing with homesickness and insecurity issues so many miles from home, has been a real friend to him.
“She’s a very good listener and has been there for Ant since his problems were revealed. She’s been helping him get through this,” our insider tells us. “They share a very similar sense of humour and she knows how to cheer him up. She’s also suffered with mental health issues, which they have bonded over. Scarlett will always be grateful for the support he showed her last year, and now she wants to repay that.”