EXCLUSIVE: Ant McPartlin pictured ahead of return to work with Declan Donnelly on Britain’s Got Talent

Ant McPartlin swigged on a hot drink as he prepared for his return to work after nearly a year away from the spotlight on Friday.

McPartlin, 43, was pictured outside his London home ahead of today's Britain’s Got Talent auditions.

The TV star looked casual in a large black coat and a matching hat ahead of being reunited with his presenting partner Declan Donnelly following a temporary hiatus in the wake of a drink driving charge and a stint in rehab last year.

Donnelly was left to fly solo for the Saturday Night Takeaway final in March, before being joined by Holly Willoughby on I’m A Celebrity in November, marking the first time he had presented the show without McPartlin in its history.

McPartlin is expected to return to the jungle reality show later this year, but Saturday Night Takeaway is still on hiatus in order to give him more time for recovery. It will return to screens in 2020.

Good Morning Britain's entertainment reporter Richard Arnold confirmed McPartlin's attendance at Friday's red carpet auditions. Speaking on Thursday's show he said: “I can officially announce that after a year off Ant will start filming on the new series of BGT.

“Can you believe it has come around again? How the time flies.

“They’re reuniting on Friday for the auditions of course, getting underway in London on Friday before the rest of the BGT continue their search for talent next month.”

Despite not being on screens since last March, McPartlin is expected to take home the coveted Best Presenter gong with Donnelly at next week's National Television Awards.

McPartlin checked into a private rehab clinic last year after pleading guilty to drink-driving when he crashed his Mini while over twice the drink-drive limit in March. He was banned from driving for 20 months and handed an £86,000 fine.

He also got divorced, months after announcing his split from ex-wife Lisa Armstrong. He later confirmed his relationship with his PA Anne-Marie Corbett.

Britain's Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are all down the auditions.

Britain's Got Talent returns to ITV later this year