Ant will bounce back after rehab
PALS RALLY ROUND TROUBLED I ’M A CELEB STAR
TV favourite Ant McPartlin is “doing well” after his first full week in rehab for drink and drug abuse.
Friends say the much-loved star is “drawing strength” from the outpouring of support from colleagues and millions of fans.
Ant’s shock revelation that he had become addicted to prescription painkillers, booze and other substances after a botched knee op two years ago left partner Declan Donnelly reeling.
When ITV bosses realised the extent of Ant’s problem they told him to take as long as he needs to recover – even if it means missing the new series of I’m A Celebrity, on our screens this November.
But old pals from Byker Grove – the Geordie series that brought Ant and Dec together as teenagers PJ and Duncan – insist he WILL bounce back from his booze and pill hell and resume their TV double act.
Ant’s former girlfriend and Byker co-star Nicola Bell said: “We’re still in touch and still friends and I know that Ant is doing well, thankfully.”
The married mum-of-one, who played Debbie Dobson in the drama, added: “He’s had some lovely messages from people and a lot of support and that obviously means a lot.”
Billy Fane, 69, who played youth club leader Geoff, said: “I was really sorry to hear of the problems he’s been having and I wish him a quick recovery. He’s a lovely hard working lad.”
Lyndyann Barrass, 41, who played Spuggie, added: “Ant knows my thoughts are with him.”
His troubles began after became hooked on painkiller Tramadol to treat his painful knee. That addiction is said to have snowballed into secret heavy boozing and problems with substance abuse. His depression has apparently been intensified by unsuccessful attempts to start a family with devoted wife Lisa, 40, who he wed in 2006. He will spend at least two months in rehab and could take a year off. Dec may take on solo projects while he recovers. After I’m a Celeb in November, Ant and Dec’s next commitments are Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent next February. The Geordie duo, both 41, shot to fame as PJ and Duncan in the BBC series in the 1990s before forging one of the most successful partnerships in TV history. Last year they raked in £29.5million – £79,000 a day. But Dec and his wife Ali, 39, had no clue that Ant had slipped into a pit of despair until he called them over to his home, just a few doors from theirs, in Chiswick, West London. “It was a bit of a bombshell for Dec. He had no idea of the full extent of the torment his best friend was going through,” a source revealed. As Ant checked himself into rehab, the couple left the country, but Dec is said to be deeply worried for his friend and for their future. Last week Ant courageously released a statement, saying: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I’ve let people down. I’m truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time. “I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.” A pal said: “This is not the end for Ant and Dec. They love each other and people love them. And by being so honest about his demons Ant’s made them love him even more.”