BACK TO REHAB

Ant McPartlin to return to rehab as he steps down from current TV commitments with Saturday Night Takeaway cancelled this weekend after ‘drink driving’ arrest

ANT McPartlin is going back to rehab following his “drink-driving” arrest on Sunday, his publicist has confirmed.

The statement also said this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway had been cancelled.

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Ant McPartlin is going back into rehab following his arrest on Sunday

The statement, which was released on Twitter, said: “Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments.

“He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future.

“As such Saturday Night Takeaway will not be going ahead this Saturday.”

An ITV spokesperson added: “ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec’s team not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend.

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He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving on SundayCredit: The Sun
The statement was released on behalf of Ant and his co-star Declan DonnellyCredit: Twitter

“We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series (March 31 and April 7) which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment. We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs.”

The Sun exclusively revealed that Ant, 42, had been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving on Sunday.

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We reported how the Geordie telly veteran was “agitated and argumentative” with a policewoman as she arrested him.

He was held in police custody for more than ten hours before being released under investigation and returning to his home in the early hours of this morning.

ITV also confirmed that Saturday Night Takeaway had been cancelled this weekend
Shocking moment Ant McPartlin is arrested after crashing his car into a lamppost

Witness Jake Spencer said Britain's Got Talent star Ant had rowed with officers as they tried to put him in a police car after he failed a breath test at the crash scene.

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He added: “Ant looked in a right state and was acting argumentatively toward a policewoman. I couldn’t believe it when I saw who it was.”

After we revealed the news of his arrest, Ant's fans feared Saturday Night Takeaway, which earlier this month celebrated it's one hundredth episode, would be axed.

The statement confirmed that Ant was being supported by his co-star and best friend Dec - pictured here with one of their BaftasCredit: PA
Ant McPartlin arrives home at 2.30am after arrest for 'drink-drive' crash

His loyal followers also revealed their concerns when he failed to take time off work after confirming his 11-year-marriage to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong had ended.

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Ant bravely opened up to The Sun about his first stint in treatment back in August last year.

Ant's had a tough few months, including the sad breakdown of his 11-year marriage to Lisa ArmstrongCredit: Getty - Contributor

In the emotional interview, Ant revealed how he hid a crippling drug addiction and battle with depression from his friends and family.

His descent into prescription drug addiction came after he damaged his knee in 2014, then had a botched operation on it the following year.

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Ant recovered and was given a hero's welcome by fans when he returned to host I'm A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here! last year.

Ant arrived at his home in the early hours of this morningCredit: ITV News

But fans were stunned when the details of Ant's arrest were revealed.

Earlier today The Sun published CCTV footage of Ant's car just seconds before its alleged collision with two other vehicles in West London.

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Euro Cafe’s footage shows Ant driving a £26,000 John Cooper special edition black mini with two distinctive red stripes.

One of the cars involved in the incident had the front completely caved inCredit: Peter Jordan - The Sun
Ant's mini - which he was driving in alongside his mum - was covered in tarpaulin following the accidentCredit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

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His mum Christine was in the car with Ant when it crashed and looked shocked as she stood at the side of the road while he was arrested.

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She was later seen at his home in London looking ashen faced.

Ant has not been seen in public since he returned to his house in the early hours of today.

His mum Christine looked stony-faced as she was pictured at Ant's houseCredit: Darren Fletcher - The Sun
CCTV captures Ant McPartlin driving moments before car crash and arrest on suspicion of drink-driving


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