Cowell backs pal Ant on rehab stint
SIMON Cowell has offered public support to Ant McPartlin – saying he has “manned-up” by checking himself into rehab.
The 42-year-old presenter took a step back from his TV commitments and returned to rehab after he was charged with drink-driving following a car crash on 18 March.
Media Mogul Cowell told a London-based newspaper: “We’ve known each other a long time, and you stand by the people you work with over the years, for the obvious reasons. “We always stand by our friends.” Cowell added: “We’re all human. The most important thing is he’s manned-up, he’s going to get himself back together. And the show goes on – it’s as simple as that.”
Ant will appear alongside TV partner Declan Donnelly in the first episode of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent tonight. His section was pre-recorded.
However, Ant will be absent from the full week of BGT live shows.
Cowell, who returns as a judge on the ITV series, made it clear that Ant was welcome to return to the show in 2019 following his stint in rehab.
“People, for whatever reason, they get into a rut, and at times like this you stand by your mates. It’s always been that way,” he said.
Dec recently presented the final two episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway without his on-screen partner. Cowell added: “It shows Dec’s professionalism and what he feels about the show.”
Ant will appear in court on a drink driving charge on 16 April.
If found guilty, he could face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.