a changed man
Piers Morgan warns ‘tormented’ Ant McPartlin he ‘could have killed someone’ in drink-drive crash
PIERS Morgan has warned "tormented" Ant McPartlin he "could have killed someone" in drink-drive crash.
The Saturday Night Takeaway presenter was taken into police custody on Sunday afternoon on suspicion of drink-driving after his Mini crashed into another car in Richmond, South London.
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While Ant, 42 was later released, he has since announced his withdrawal from all TV commitments and that he intends on returning to rehab, while this week's episode of Takeaway has been cancelled.
Speaking on today's Good Morning Britain, Piers, 52, shared his concern for his friend, who he has known for a long time and worked with on Britain's Got Talent for a number of years.
He said: "The public were very sympathetic to his [past] problems, this is different.
"Even if you really like Ant, you've got to look at this and think 'you could have killed someone'."
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He continued: "What is very damaging for him is this is not just him having problems, it's him having problems and inflicting them on to completely random, innocent people.
"What he maybe needs now is tough love and someone saying 'you need to sort yourself out because you could have killed someone.'
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Piers then discussed Ant's marriage breakdown with wife Lisa Armstrong, adding: "Lisa does my make-up on Life Stories, she's a delightful person.
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"I never would have thought he would do that [get divorced] for example, let alone this."
"This Ant McPartlin is not the guy I know.
Ant McPartlin arrives home at 2.30am after arrest for 'drink-drive' crash
"His life is faltering and tormented for some reason."
Piers then shared his thoughts on what should happen next, insisting Ant should take a long break from work before attempting to return to our screens.
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He said: "I'd like to see him off TV for a long time as he came back too soon [after his first stint in rehab]."
He then turned his attention to Dec, 42, who The Sun revealed is "devastated" by what has happened to his best friend.
Piers said: "I feel for Dec, by default, his career reaches the buffer as they're a double act."
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Shocking moment Ant McPartlin is arrested after crashing his car into a lamppost
While this week's episode of Takeaway will not air, an ITV spokesperson revealed yesterday the final two shows were still being discussed, leading to speculation Dec could host it alone or alongside another presenter.
Piers mused: "If you're Dec what do you do? Do you agree to do it on your own? Do you do it with someone else?
"It's incredibly difficult moment for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't do it.
"In the television world this is an earthquake."
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