Triumphant at the NTAS, Ant Mcpartlin talks about his divorce, and sparks new romance rumours
He also sparked rumours of a Scarlett Moffatt romance
Anyone who watched the NTAS last week will agree that the night belonged to two people: Ant & Dec. Picking up three awards – including their 17th consecutive gong for best presenters – the duo were thrilled as Ant Mcpartlin put the lid on his annus horribilis. The troubled star told the audience, “Because of the last 12 months I’ve been through, winning this award is particularly emotional,” adding, “I’m shaking… To my family and friends, some of who are here tonight, thank you.”
One family member who was glaringly absent from the celebrations was Ant’s estranged wife Lisa Armstrong, 41, who earlier this month he announced he was divorcing after 11 years of marriage. Instead, the TV presenter stayed glued to his other half Declan Donnelly, 42, as well as Scarlett Moffatt, 27, who he’s reportedly grown close to while working together on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here.
Following the ceremony, Ant spoke more about the challenges he’s faced – checking into rehab in the summer after becoming addicted to prescription drugs, and then splitting from Lisa. The 42 year old said the past year had been “very tricky” and “emotional”, adding, “It’s great to get back to work.”
While Scarlett cheered on her colleagues, Twitter exploded with gossip, with comments such as, “Scarlett and Ant – I spy something going on,” and, “How long until it comes out that Ant has been seeing Scarlett?” But our insider tells us, “They’re both upset about all this speculation – they’re just good friends. Scarlett’s been a good support for him.” Lisa, meanwhile, who also won an award on the night as part of Strictly Come
Dancing’s team (she’s the show’s chief make-up artist), kept her distance and stayed at home. She did, however, hint at her own feelings, thanking a fan who tweeted, “Everyone is talking about Ant, but just wanted to say you’ve had a tough year as well and I hope you are OK.” And two days later, she liked a Tweet which suggested Ant may come to regret his decision. It read, “Your unconditional love & support made A who he is… Easy to think you don’t want UNTIL you don’t have.”