Ant McPartlin’s rivals rally round
BRITAIN’S top TV presenters have united in their support and sympathy for Anthony McPartlin after it emerged the Britain’s Got Talent host had checked into a rehab facility.
ITV’s Lorraine recalled her own battle with Tramadol, as it was revealed that the popular presenter — of Ant and Dec fame — has been battling a combination of depression, alcohol abuse and prescription drug addiction.
Speaking on her own show this morning, Lorraine described such drugs as ‘seductive’.
‘Honestly, it makes everything fantastic. Your head is full of cotton wool. It’s horrible and it’s not real. It’s a horrible thing, but it works,’ she said.
She added: ‘If depression can happen to him, it can happen to anybody — and we have to respect that.’
Over on This Morning, Holly Willoughby and her co-host Phillip Schofield also sympathised with the 41-year-old Saturday Night Takeaway presenter, who is reported to have developed an addiction to painkillers after knee surgery.
Phillip said: ‘We wanted to take a moment to send our love and best wishes to our mate Ant. As you may have seen, he’s checked into a rehab clinic for help with substance abuse, prescription drugs and alcohol.’
Holly added that Ant had ‘bravely’ spoken out about his decision to seek help.
Ant told The Sun On Sunday: ‘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.’
Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan also offered his sympathy, saying: ‘He’s a great guy, one of the nicest people you’d meet and his wife Lisa does my make-up on Life Stories.
‘They’re lovely people and obviously they’re going through a very tough time and I wish them both the very best.’
Other big names to send their support included Apprentice boss Lord Sugar.
‘Very brave Ant to go public. This is the first stage of the road to recovery. All the best Ant, it will all be sorted for sure,’ he tweeted.
And singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote: ‘Lots of love to you both. You’re going to help a lot of people by being honest. Important stuff. Sending strength your way. Xxx.’
Author: Anna Thomson
