ITV will stand by Ant McPartlin as Dec thanks fans for their support

In case you missed it, Ant McPartlin checked into rehab for substance abuse and alcohol addiction over the weekend.

The beloved TV star has been rocked by his secret addiction to subscription drugs and drink and admitted he is absolutely devastated to have let his family and the public down, after he turned to pills and booze to deal with excruciating pain in his knee.

In a bid to numb the pain, Ant began taking the prescription drug Tramadol and soon realised that he’d become hooked on the painkiller, which can cause speech disturbances, lack of co-ordination, headaches and drowsiness.

The 41-year-old TV host is now in a special rehabiliation centre and has reportedly been banned from using his phone and seeing visitors as he recovers.

Ant’s rehab also means he won’t be able to spend time with his wife Lisa Armstrong and his long-time on-screen partner Declan Donnelly, who thanked fans for their support on Twitter.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: “Right now Ant won’t be able to have access to his phone or any visitors, even from his wife or Dec.”

Ant spoke of his decision to enter rehab on Sunday, apologising to his friends and family for the stress he’s caused them.

The TV star said: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I’ve let people down. I’m truly sorry.

“I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I’m truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time.

His anxiety grew over fears he cannot conceive with his wife.

“I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time,” he continued.

“I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.”

The ‘I’m A Celeb’ presenter’s employer said he is “a huge part” of the ITV family and they will support him throughout his recovery.

An ITV source explained: “The feeling amongst senior executives is that Ant has been very brave to admit this. He’s got our total backing and he knows he can take as much time as he needs.

“If there’s anything we can do to support him in getting better then of course he only needs to ask – he’s a huge part of the ITV family and that isn’t going to change.”

“He has many friends here who are right behind him, and hope to see him out of rehab and on the mend as soon as possible.

“Those close to him are very impressed by how open and honest he has been about his issues – it can’t have been easy for him and it took real courage.”

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