How Ant Mcpartlin kept his drug battle a secret from everyone – even wife Lisa
The telly favourite surprised everyone when he checked into rehab
Like the rest of the country, we were shocked when Ant Mcpartlin checked himself into rehab last week, after publicly admitting to having problems with substance abuse, prescription drugs and alcohol. He’s expected to stay for at least two months and, while his friends and family are completely supportive, they too were blindsided by his confession – even his wife of 11 years, Lisa.
According to heat’s source, Lisa was left devastated when Ant confessed everything to her. And although she knew he’d been struggling, she thought it was because of the constant pain he’d had in his knee since a “botched” operation two years ago. It led him to become hooked on prescription drug Tramadol, as well as blocking everything out with alcohol.
“Lisa and Ant have been together for over 20 years and they confide in each other about everything, but it was still a shock to her,” our insider says. “She knew Ant hadn’t been his usual self for a while, and was a lot less social than normal, but thought that was down to his knee. Ant’s been advised not to have any visitors in rehab, and of course Lisa will find that tough. They spend a lot of time together, and not having her best friend by her side is going to be very difficult. But she’s determined they’ll get through this and will support him throughout.”
Ant, 41, married Strictly make-up artist Lisa, 40, in 2006, after 12 years together, and they’ve been open about their desire to have children. It hasn’t happened yet, however, and our source says this has added to Ant’s problems.
“A nt really thought he would’ve been a dad by now,” the insider explains. “He and Lisa have wanted children for years, and the longer it didn’t happen, the harder it has got. But once he gets through this and is in a better place, they still want to have a family and will carry on trying to make that happen.”
As expected, Ant has also been supported by his best friend and TV sidekick Declan Donnelly, who was also horrified to discover what his mate had secretly been going through. “Dec had no idea and was just as stunned as Lisa,” our source continues. “They all spend so much time together and go out as a foursome, with Dec’s wife Ali. He was aware Ant had issues with his knee, but had no idea of the full extent.”
Thankfully, the much-loved TV presenter is now getting the help he needs. Get well soon, Ant.