Star looking lost without his telly pal

DECLAN Donnelly looks lost in thought as he tries to enjoy a break abroad.

The Geordie TV star seemed glum as his best pal Ant McPartlin began rehab for drink and prescription drug issues.

Worried Dec, 41, has been soaking up the rays with wife Ali Astall beside posh Lake Como in Italy.

He is taking a holiday after news of his friend’s health problems broke over the weekend.

But Dec seemed to have spent too long in the sun as he later showed off a bright red back when standing up in his grey swim shorts.

While chatting to bikiniclad Ali, he hastily added some suntan lotion to the worst-affected areas before the pair went off to enjoy a swim together.

Their trip comes as Dec faces the prospect of spending up to a year without his co-presenter at his side.

He may have to front ® shows including I’m A Celebrity and next year’s Britain’s Got Talent alone.

Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, 26, who won plaudits for her stint on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway earlier this year, might be called upon to step in.

ITV now has plenty of time to consider their options as the pair have no filming commitments until at least November.

It has been claimed Ant, also 41, has been offered a 12-month break.

An insider said it was too early to make a decision, but that the star’s health was their priority.

Presenter Ant started relying on strong Tramadol pills to ease the pain from knee problems. He also turned to drink as he and wife Lisa, 40, struggled to start a family.

Lisa has thanked fans for their support for her man on social media.