TV star Ant ‘enters rehab with drink and drug problems’
TELEVISION PRESENTER Ant McPartlin has admitted he feels he has “let people down” ahead of reportedly entering rehab following a battle with depression, alcohol and substance abuse.
The TV star, who is one half of the presenting duo Ant and Dec, said yesterday that he wanted to speak out about his issues in order to help others.
McPartlin is believed to have checked into a rehabilitation centre, where he will remain for up to two months.
McPartlin, 41, who is married to his long-time partner Lisa Armstrong, told The Sun on Sunday: “I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time. “I’ve spoken out because I think it’s important that people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.”
The paper has reported that McPartlin’s problems stemmed from failed knee surgery two years ago.
With an ongoing knee complication, McPartlin is said to have started taking prescription drugs to cope with the pain. A source said that alcohol has also become a cause for concern among friends of the presenter.
His busy schedule, which sees him, along with professional partner Declan Donnelly, front programmes such as I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, has been an additional factor to McPartlin’s battle with anxiety. Donnelly has thanked fans for their messages of support for McPartlin, and wrote on Ant and Dec’s official Twitter feed: “Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated. DD xx.”
McPartlin is the long-time professional partner of Donnelly after they starred together in children’s drama series Byker Grove in the 1990s. Jobs on Pop Idol and
Friends Like These led to their primetime career taking off in
the early 2000s, and they are now best-known for their stints on I’m A Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
They have won the TV presenter award at the National Television Awards for 16 consecutive years. Last year, the Geordie pair were awarded OBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting and entertainment.