Dec’s baby joy: ‘It’s bittersweet for Ant’
Troubled star’s mixed emotions
ANT McPartlin is said to be thrilled best pal Declan Donnelly is to become a dad, but the joy is tainted with some sadness.
Yesterday it emerged Dec, 42, and wife Ali, 40, are expecting their first child.
However, sources close to the duo say troubled Ant is hurting because he has always wanted children himself.
He recently split from wife Lisa, 41, and is in rehab as he faces a drink-driving charge.
A TV insider said yesterday: “Ant is thrilled for Dec and Ali but the baby news sparked other emotions because he has always wanted children.
“There is some heartache and it is a bittersweet moment. Ant has gone into rehab and has recently split from his wife Lisa, so his life is just not the same as the one Dec has right now.”
Last night Dec thanked well-wishers on the duo’s official Twitter page. He said: “The news has sneaked out a little earlier than we had hoped but Ali and I are delighted to be expecting our first child. Thanks for all the love.”
In 2013, Ant said he and Lisa had struggled to have children. He told Radio Times: “Lisa and I would love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get older.” ITV yesterday denied a report saying Ant and Dec could be axed from this year’s I’m a Celebrity.
Bosses have no idea if the duo will be in Australia at this stage and will make a decision at the end of the summer.
On Saturday the Daily Mirror reported an insider’s claim Ant may need a “clear year” to get over his drink and prescription drug addiction.
Dec will return to screens this weekend when he hosts Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant for the first time.
There’s some heartache for Ant and it is a bittersweet moment TV INSIDER ON STAR’S REACTION TO NEWS