Ant’s agony: “I feel I’ve
● TV presenter Ant Mcpartlin admits to drug, alcohol and painkiller addiction as he checks into rehab ● His failure to start a family with his wife Lisa reportedly fuelled a slide into depression ● Botched knee surgery two years ago left him in chronic
let a lot of people down”
He’s the clean-cut face of family H TV and one half of the UK’S most successful double acts, but Ant Mcpartlin shocked fans and loved ones when it was revealed last week that he’d checked into a £6,000-a-week rehab facility, after admitting to a secret battle with depression, alcohol and prescription drugs.
Ant, 41, reportedly broke down when he told wife Lisa Armstrong, 40 – who he’s been with for over 23 years – and showbiz sidekick Declan Donnelly that he needed help.
Both Lisa and Declan had reportedly been increasingly worried about his reliance on alcohol, but did not know the extent of his addictions.
The star is now facing two months of intensive treatment, after it emerged his and Lisa’s failure to conceive had fuelled a slide into depression.
botched surgery
Ant has previously spoken out about their desire to have children, admitting: “We’re trying, but it’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older.” In February, he elaborated, saying: “We’d love to have a family so fingers crossed. If we’re blessed with children, then we’d be over the moon.”
The TV presenter’s addiction problems started after botched surgery on his knee two years ago left him in “agonising” pain and he ended up hooked on powerful painkiller Tramadol, which saw him turn to alcohol. He’s reported to have put on a brave face in public but his secret pain and depression proved too much. Ant had further surgery earlier this month and faced the prospect of being wheelchairbound for six weeks, with pals saying he felt “trapped in his house.”
Ant is reported to now have no contact with loved ones after entering rehab, and ITV bosses have given him a year’s sabbatical to tackle his demons. Declan is now facing the prospect of presenting hit shows such as I’m A Celeb! and Britian’s Got Talent without Ant for the first time in their 23-year TV career together.
‘truly sorry’
Speaking out, Ant, who is worth £60m and was last year awarded an OBE, 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 am truly sorry.” His wife Lisa admitted on social media that she’d been “overwhelmed” by the public support Ant had received, saying: “[Your love and support] means so much. I’m relieved he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.”