Gary Barlow sends supportive message to Ant McPartlin in rehab and declares the troubled TV star will bounce back

GARY Barlow has sent his support to Ant MacPartlin and revealed that he too went through “hell” earlier in his career.

The 47-year-old opened up about his lowest point in 2000 after her was dropped by his record label following a failed solo career after Take That’s split.

He told The Mail On Sunday’s Event it is “hell when you are in it because you can’t see a way out”.

He added: “And when you have the whole world watching it makes it three times worse, because you can’t escape it.”

Last month Ant was arrested for drink driving and has since returned to rehab following a brief stint last summer. He has since pulled out of all TV duties, but Gary is certain he can bounce back.

He said: “But what Ant should know is that he can come out of this. He needs to get well, but he can come back.

“He needs to know that everyone loves him and that doesn’t just go. When you’re in a bad way, you don’t realise it, but everyone is really rooting for you to get back on your feet.

“You just have to believe you can do it.”

Speaking of his own turmoil Gary described himself as “a mess” and “not the man” his wife Dawn married, before going to the doctors for depression.

He said: “I remember waking up one morning and I was enormous.

“I hate to see anyone going through a really tough time. And that’s why I sympathise with Ant.”

Last night Declan Donnelly revealed Saturday Night Takeaway has been “tinged with sadness” as he paid tribute to Ant once the cameras had stopped rolling.

The 42-year-old presented alone for the second time ever tonight and while he didn’t mention his troubled partner, 42, during the show, his affection for him was clear as he addressed the audience following the successful finale in Orlando.

In The Sun Online’s exclusive video Dec tells the crowd: “Thanks for all the love and support, it’s been a series tinged with… well…”

As Dec struggled to find the words, someone yelled from the audience: “We miss Ant!”

To which Dec replied: “Yes, we do, we do. It’s tinged with sadness.”

Then in a show of support for Ant, he asked: “Can you all give a one round of applause for Ant who is at home.”

The audience then broke out into a rapturous applause.

Clearly moved Dec said: “Thank you so much, I know he will appreciate that a great, great deal.”

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