WE’RE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY, ANT
Fans back Geordie star as he checks into rehab
FANS have sent messages of support to Ant McPartlin after the Geordie star checked into rehab to fight his drink and prescription drug problems.
The 41-year-old Newcastle-born TV presenter and former Byker Grove star revealed he has been struggling with addiction, depression and anxiety as he checked into the clinic in the London area.
In an emotional interview with the Sun on Sunday, Ant said he has spoken out about his issues to highlight how important it is for anyone with an addiction problem to ask for help and seek the right treatment.
Ant said: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.
“I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I’m truly sorry.
“I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time.”
Ant came clean about the extent of his problems at a meeting last week, which his wife Lisa Armstrong and co-star Declan Donnelly attended.
Ant suffers from chronic pain caused by a problem in his right knee which led to him becoming hooked on pain killers.
Dec – who last night thanked fans for the messages of support for the friend he called “big fella” – reportedly helped Ant contact counsellors and book into a rehab centre, where he is set to spend the next two months.
The paper has reported that McPartlin’s problems stemmed from failed knee surgery two years ago.
With an ongoing knee complication, McPartlin is said to have started taking prescription drugs to cope with the pain.
A source said that alcohol has also become a cause for concern among friends of the presenter.
His busy work schedule, which sees him, along with professional partner Declan Donnelly, fronting programmes such as I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent for a large portion of the year, has been an additional factor to McPartlin’s battle with anxiety.
Several stars have commended McPartlin for speaking out about his personal issues.
Ant has been praised by North East fans for identifying his problem and taking steps to tackle it. Louise Brown, from Cramlington, posted: “Wishing you all the best in this chapter of your life.” Rob Gilbert-Ovens, from Newcastle, wrote: “Love and support to Ant. Very brave to go public with his battles. All the best my friend.” Hillary Gibson, from Houghton-leSpring, tweeted the duo. She wrote: “Just reading the news articles today and wanted to say we are all behind you Ant (and Dec of course) lots of love.” Fans admire Ant for bravely speaking publicly about his fight. Kate Driver, from Durham, tweeted: “Incredibly brave of you to speak out so publicly, there’s no shame in asking for help!” Julie Anne Davison posted: “Hope you get well soon Ant. Pain is the worst thing in the world. You are a brave man for admitting you have a problem.” Dean Cummings, from Sunderland, posted: “Well played @antanddec Ant, there is no shame in struggling in life. It’s how we bounce back that defines us. You’ll be stronger soon.” Donnelly yesterday thanked fans for their messages of support for McPartlin. He wrote on Ant and Dec’s official Twitter: “Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He
will be touched.
“Your support is, as ever, much appreciated. DD xx.”
There was also support from nationallyknown figures such as Apprentice boss Lord Sugar, who wrote on Twitter: “Very brave Ant to go public. This is the first stage of the road to recovery. All the best Ant, it will all be sorted for sure @antanddec.”
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “As I say at every speech I do, we are all human! Best wishes to Ant @antanddec You will come back stronger,your fans love you #itsgoodtotalk.”
Ant and Dec forged a union after starring in children’s drama series Byker Grove together in the 1990s.
They went on to enjoy a music career under the names of their characters PJ & Duncan, releasing songs such as Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble and Shout.
After several years presenting a range of programmes, they landed a job hosting Saturday morning ITV children’s programmes SMTV Live and CD:UK, where they remained for three years from 1998 until 2001.
Jobs on entertainment shows Pop Idol and Friends Like These led to their primetime career taking off in the early noughties, and they are now best-known for their stints on I’m A Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent and their own entertainment show, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
Ant and Dec have won the TV presenter award at the National Television Awards for 16 consecutive years.
Last year, the Geordie twosome were awarded OBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting and entertainment.