I need to get my Ant better
Wife of troubled TV presenter makes heartfelt plea after he admits he’s hooked on booze and heavy duty painkillers
a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.”
Lisa, who married Ant in 2006, said that she was “overwhelmed by the love and support”.
She added: “It means so much. I’m relieved he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.”
Dec’s mum Annie said at her home in Newcastle: “Ant has been incredibly brave. It came as a huge shock to us all.”
Ant’s problems started two years ago, when he had an op to fix cartilage in his knee.
He feels the operation was “botched” as he was left with a fracture, which eventually led to his kneecap slipping.
Last Tuesday, Ant had surgery at a different hospital, Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London.
He will not be able to walk for the next six weeks, so will recover in a wheelchair.
The source added: “Ant’s knee has been dreadful. In the past six months, it’s got progressively worse.
“He couldn’t have the operation during Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent.
“He’s a professional and didn’t want to do the show while recovering.
“He would have to painkiller himself up to the max to present the show, and then literally hop off set and lie down in his dressing room again. He was in agony.”
Stars last night rallied around the presenter to lend their support.
Lord Alan Sugar said: “Very brave of 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.”
Runner Dame Kelly Holmes added: “As I say at every speech I do, we are all human. Best wishes to Ant. You will come back stronger, your fans love you #itsgoodtotalk.”
Actor and singer Sean Maguire said: “Sending love to my old mates Ant & Lisa. Hang in there, buds.”
Former Olympic 400m runner Iwan Thomas said: “Love and respect to Ant McPartlin for seeking help.
“Just shows depression and addiction don’t care about fame and success. Get well soon, fella.”
Former BGT winner, dancer George Sampson, said: “All the best, Ant. Your bravery is immense and you’ll smash through this and be back to yourself in no time.”
TV presenter Piers Morgan, a former Britain’s Got Talent judge, said: “Few nicer people in showbusiness than Ant McPartlin. Wish him all the best as he sorts himself out.”
A spokeswoman for ITV, who have signed the pair on a £30million golden handcuffs deal, said: “We wish Ant all the best for a speedy recovery.”
The pair are not due back on screen until November when they will fly to Australia to film I’m A Celebrity.
Dec and his wife Ali have since left the UK together on a pre-planned trip.
Ant admitted in 2013 he had tried drugs in the past.
Just a few weeks ago, Ant went on a pub crawl in Ireland, where he was pictured drinking pints of Guinness with Dec and locals while the duo filmed a TV series.
The pair stopped off at several haunts including Wynnes Pub in Drumkeeran, County Leitrim, and Berry’s Tavern in Drumshanbo.
Days earlier, the presenters had picked up a TV Bafta for Saturday Night Takeaway.
Make-up artist Lisa met Ant at the Smash Hits tour in Newcastle in 1994, while she was part of band Deuce. He was 18 and she 17.
After dating for 11 years, they wed in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, with Dec as best man.
The couple have told of their struggle to have children, admitting in 2013 they were “finding it tough”.
Ant said this year: “We would love to have a family so fingers crossed.
“If we’re blessed with children then we’d be over the moon.”
●IF YOU’RE struggling with addictions, visit.mind.org.uk or call the charity on 0300 123 3393 to seek help.