Ant & Dec’s Ant McPartlin checks into rehab — after confessing to problems with substance abuse, prescription drugs and booze
TV IDOL Ant McPartlin last night checked into rehab after confessing to problems with substance abuse, prescription drugs and booze.
The Britain’s Got Talent presenter, 41, wept as he revealed his problems to wife Lisa and co-star Declan Donnelly.
Ant will spend at least two months in a clinic.
Yesterday he told The Sun on Sunday: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.”
Courageous Ant told how his depression led to an addiction to prescription drugs and battles with substance and alcohol abuse.
The much-loved star, one half of Britain’s top-paid telly duo, confessed: “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.”
I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry
As the 41-year-old checked into rehab last night, The Sun on Sunday can reveal how:
- CHRONIC pain caused by a problem in his right knee led him to become hooked on dangerous painkillers;
- ANXIETY over failure to conceive a child with wife Lisa has put a strain on their marriage;
- DEPRESSION finally caused him to turn to substance abuse as a means of escape.
Ant’s anguish began two years ago when he went under the knife to fix cartilage in the knee at an unnamed hospital.
He has told friends the op was “botched”, and his life has not been the same since.
The energetic entertainer continued to bounce around the set of Britain’s Got Talent, unaware he was carrying a fracture.
As a result he eroded the bone until his kneecap slipped.
But he soldiered on, determined to keep his pain a secret from his millions of fans.
A source said: “The sad truth is that Ant is in agony nearly every waking moment.
“He makes sure the mask never slips in public, but off camera is a different matter.
“He can often be found lying on his dressing room floor, his face contorted in pain.
“If he didn’t have a knee brace, then he wouldn’t be able to stand up at all.
“He never wanted his fans to know of his despair because he thought it would ruin the happy-go-lucky act for everyone.
“His attitude has always been, ‘The show must go on!’”
Last Tuesday Ant had knee surgery at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West London.
His original operation was at a different hospital.
The knee is heavily bandaged and he will spend the next six weeks in a wheelchair.
Doctors have warned him that there is a danger that one day his knee may collapse, crippling him for life.
The injury has prevented him from playing his beloved golf — his favourite way of relaxing away from the camera.
Our source said: “Ant liked nothing better than a round of golf to unwind — but now he has been told he may never play again. You’ve never seen him so down.
“He’s been trapped in his house causing him to turn to substance abuse as a way of escaping his troubles.”
To numb the pain, Ant — worth £60million — began taking the prescription medication Tramadol.
Soon he was dangerously hooked on the drug which can cause slurred speech, drowsiness, headaches and impaired co-ordination.
Meanwhile problems were building in his marriage to make-up artist Lisa, 40.
The pair met in 1994 when she was in the band Deuce.
They wed in 2006 but have so far been unable to fulfil their dream of starting a family.
In recent months it has caused a strain in their marriage.
A source said: “Lisa turned 40 recently and is desperate to have kids. Lately they’ve started wondering if it will really ever happen for them.
“They remain devoted to one another but there’s been a lot of friction.
“It feels like something is missing, and if kids came along it would make the world of difference to both of them.”
Pals have also raised concerns at Ant combining drinking with taking prescription drugs.
Geordie star and lifelong pal Declan Donnelly, also 41, are regulars at bars and pubs near their £5million homes in Chiswick, West London.
Lisa is desperate to have kids. They remain devoted but there’s a lot of friction
A friend said: “The boys love a drink together. But in recent months, after they went to the pub, Ant would go home and carry on drinking alone.
“It was at these times that he began abusing substances when he was drunk.
“Part of it was that the alcohol helped numb the physical pain he has been enduring.
“But it was clearly more than that. The drugs and alcohol were playing an increasingly important role in helping Ant function each day.
“He hid it very well from those closest to him but it was obvious that it had become an issue at home.”
Pals also revealed how the pair’s unrelenting schedule had put Ant under increased strain.
As part of their huge deal with ITV the pair work solidly from the start of I’m a Celebrity in November until June.
Ant’s appearance at BGT was the subject of discussion among the crew. It was clear he was really struggling
They are especially busy from February onwards with filming commitments for Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent.
Another source said: “Ant & Dec are television gold but of course with that comes enormous pressure.
“I’m a Celebrity is gruelling and involves flying across the world to Australia.
“They are then straight into their other commitments.
“In the past both of them have prided themselves on staying fit.
READ MORE:
- 'WE’RE TRYING, IT’S TOUGHER THAN YOU THINK' TV presenter Ant McPartlin opens up on longing to have children with wife Lisa
- 'HELP ME, MATE' TV presenter Ant McPartlin broke down in tears as he confessed his drink and drug addictions to best friend and co-host Declan Donnelly
- GLAD HE'S TACKLING DEMONSOur Agony Aunt Dear Deidre praises TV’s Ant McPartlin after he opens up on addiction battle
- THE SUN SAYSWe applaud Ant McPartlin as he gets help for his addictions — and hope he inspires others to do the same
“But Ant has been unable to exercise because of his knee.
“He is no longer as fit as he was and is less able to cope with the rigours of filming.
“During the finals of BGT Ant’s appearance was the subject of discussion among the backstage crew. It was clear he was really struggling behind the scenes.”
Ant is expected to spend at least two months in rehab, though it has not been revealed where he is going.
There are several top clinics in London and the South East.
In recent years many British stars have also headed abroad for help.
Treatment usually involves the person admitting they have a problem, then being given a programme tailored to their situation.
They will take part in a mix of one-to-one counselling and group therapy sessions, sharing their problems with others.
People with addiction are encouraged to discuss any issues in their personal life which seem to be a possible cause — often finding out they are common problems shared by others in the group.
They discuss how their addiction has affected their relationships, life at home and at work.
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Depending on the severity of the abuse, an individual can be placed on a detox programme where they are kept away from others for a period of time while they are weaned off their substances or alcohol.
The source added: “It has taken courage for Ant to face up to his problems which we understand will be a big help in the rehab process.
“He knows he has a problem which means he accepts he needs help.
“The important thing is that he will receive expert help and support in rehab — and he will realise he’s not alone, that there are others going through what he is.
“He will be allowed visitors but how often and at what stage in the rehab process can vary from clinic to clinic.”
Longing to have a baby
By Laura Armstrong, Sunday Showbiz Editor
ANT and wife Lisa have been together 23 years but have faced a heartbreaking struggle to start a family.
Speaking in 2013, Ant said: “We’d love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older.”
The interview came two years before pal Dec wed Ali Astall and Ant added: “There’s a rumour we (Ant & Dec) do everything together and that I’m holding off having kids till Dec finds himself Mrs Right. I love that idea, but I’m afraid it’s not true.”
Asked again this year about having kids, Ant said: “We would love to have a family so fingers crossed.
“If we’re blessed with children, then we’d be over the moon!”
He met Lisa, née Armstrong, when he was 18 and she 17, when they were performing on the Smash Hits tour in Newcastle in 1994.
They dated for 11 years before Ant proposed while on holiday in Dubai in April 2005.
The following year they wed in a star-studded ceremony in Taplow, Bucks, with Dec as best man.
Lisa is now head of make-up on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ant loves to unwind playing golf when he and Dec aren’t piling up awards.
In January they won Best Presenters for a 16th year in a row at National Television Awards.
Last month Saturday Night Takeaway earned them a gong at the Virgin TV Baftas.
Fans will give their support
By Laura Armstrong, Sunday Showbiz Editor
AFTER almost two decades as half of Britain’s favourite double act, Ant McPartlin is unquestionably one of the nation’s best-loved celebrities.
And the revelations of his secret addiction today will shock millions.
His personal battle away from the cameras could not be further from the charismatic, quick-with-a-joke persona he exudes on and off stage.
I have interviewed Ant many times and have always found him to be that very rare thing — a celebrity who is (almost) as normal as the rest of us.
It is that normality that has endeared him — and Dec — to viewers.
And it is that same normality that will ensure fans continue to support him through this tough time.
They will recognise that he has taken a brave and crucial step in seeking professional help, and wish him the best as he fights to beat his demons.
And they will — as I do — look forward to seeing him back on our screens very soon.
Ant's emotional plea as Dec and wife hold 'summit'
By Patrick Gysin and Gary O'Shea
ANT McPartlin fought back tears as he told his telly co-host Declan Donnelly: “I need help, mate. I need help now.”
His shock confession came at a hastily arranged summit with his wife Lisa, pal Dec and close friends last week.
The group were filled with emotion as the ITV favourite, 41, poured out his problems.
Dec's best friend in the world was living this nightmare — but he had kept it a secret
Dec had long been concerned about his friend, but never knew how bad things had become.
A source said: “For Dec it was a bit of a bombshell hearing about these addiction problems.
“He had no idea of the full extent of the torment his best friend was going through.”
Though Ant & Dec are supposed to know each other’s every secret, when Dec walked into his friend’s living room, he had no idea what was going to follow.
Our insider said: “Dec couldn’t believe his ears through some of it.
"Soon the truth was all coming out: the substance abuse, the painkillers he was hooked on, the secret drinking sessions.
“It was almost too much for Dec to take in.
“He’s known his friend was a bit down and he knew Ant and Lisa were going through some heartache over not being able to have kids.
Dec is determined to do everything possible to help Ant, he won’t just leave him to sort out his own problems
“And there was the problem with his knee as well, which he had been anxious to play down.
“But everything else was a total shock.
“His best friend in the world was living this nightmare — but he had largely managed to keep it a secret.”
As the news sank in, it was 41-year-old Dec who took control of the situation, telling Ant in no uncertain terms that he needed professional help.
Dec, who lives in the next door mansion to his pal in Chiswick, West London, contacted counsellors.
And after a round of calls, he told Ant to enter a residential treatment programme.
Our source said: “His friend needed urgent help before his condition deteriorated further.
“Dec just wanted his old friend back and he knew that if he didn’t act decisively it would soon be too late.
“Dec had felt for a long while something was wrong with Ant.
“They work so closely together and spend a lot of time with each other so Dec knows when Ant is unhappy — and vice versa.
“It’s been frustrating for Dec at times but he had no idea just how depressed Ant was, and was shocked when he told him about his problems with substances.
“Dec is determined to do everything possible to help Ant, he won’t just leave him to sort out his own problems.
“It would have been easy for Dec to worry about their brand and the damage this could do to their careers but he didn’t think about that at all — he cares about Ant as a friend and wants to help him.”
Ant is believed to have told his family, including his mum Christine, 61, about his problems and him going into rehab.
Only six months ago Christine was rejoicing after her son received an OBE from the Queen for services to broadcasting.
The source added: “Christine and Ant have always had a very special bond.
“He has thanked her from the podium when he has been given awards and they are often seen out enjoying pub lunches together.”
The one blessing for Ant & Dec is that they have no television commitments until November when I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! returns to the screens.
A source said: “It means Ant has almost five months to get better. Millions will be praying for him.”
Ant was previously a source of support to Dec when his relationship with Ali Astall — who later became his wife — broke down for a time in 2006.
He was best man when the couple finally tied the knot nine years later.
And in 2011 Ant had helped comfort Dec through his grief when his father Alphonsus died of cancer at the age of 78.
In 2007 the pair had to be strong for each other when they were caught up in one of the biggest crises of their careers.
Their hugely popular Saturday Night Takeaway programme was said to have cheated some viewers out of money by ignoring their premium rate phone votes in competitions.
The duo issued a statement saying they had “no idea of these problems” and had to stick together to fight off the media storm which also affected other prime-time TV shows.
The source added: “You have to understand these two have been through so much together — not just the ups but the downs as well.
“They know each other so well and it’s no surprise that Dec wants to help Ant now through this crisis in his personal life.”
Glad he's tackling demons
By Deidre Sanders, Sun Agony Aunt
ANT McPartlin is seen as a clean-living hero alongside his close pal Dec.
But as well as the talent, celebs’ success is down to sheer hard work — always smiling, quick-witted and never missing a gig.
So being hit with knee problems requiring repeated surgery will have made life feel an absolute ordeal.
It will have encouraged the use of painkillers such as Tramadol just to get through the day.
And then it’s all too tempting to unwind with a stiff drink (or three) and maybe top that up with other mood-altering substances to give you a lift.
It’s a damaging combination, especially as Ant and his wife, Lisa have been trying to start a family for some time.
Heavy alcohol use, such as Ant had slipped into, some prescription drugs and other substances can all have a negative effect on fertility.
So it is great Ant has woken up to the risks he was running — with his health and marriage, let alone his career. I’m sure Lisa is so relieved.
Path to top began on kids' show
By Laura Armstrong, Sunday Showbiz Editor
ANT grew up on a tough council estate in Newcastle with his mum, Christine, and younger sister, Sarah.
He was just ten when his dad, Raymond, left home.
Three years later, he got the chance to appear in kids’ TV show Byker Grove, where he met Dec.
After leaving in 1993, the pair launched a music career as PJ and Duncan.
They later returned to telly. ITV’s SM:TV Live — which they hosted with Cat Deeley — won the pair millions of young fans in the late ’90s.
In 1999 they graduated to prime-time TV, hosting Saturday night game show Friends Like These and, in 2001, talent show Pop Idol.
They have since presented I’m a Celeb, Britain’s Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway and have won 31 National Television Awards.
But Ant has admitted taking drugs in the past.
Last year he touched on the subject while interviewing fellow Geordie Cheryl for an ITV show celebrating 40 years of The Prince’s Trust.
After she claimed she could have been a drug addict or gone to prison had she not found a career in entertainment, Ant said: “It’s exactly the same with me.”
“If I didn’t get that lucky break with the Byker Grove audition when we were 13, Lord knows what would have happened, probably the same route, you don’t know.”
If you're suffering drugs, alcohol or depression problems these hotlines can help;
Action On Addiction 0300 330 0659
Mind 0300 123 3393
Alcoholic Anonymous 0800 9177 650