ITV bosses pledge full support to Ant and Dec’s Ant McPartlin as he checks into rehab after addiction battle
The vow of support came after Ant - who fronts a number of shows on the channel with co-host Declan Donnelly - checked into rehab with alcohol and prescription drug addiction
ITV bosses yesterday vowed to stand by troubled Ant McPartlin after he bravely confronted his substance abuse demons, offering him “whatever help he needs”.
The star has checked himself into a rehab clinic after admitting a depression battle has driven him to alcohol and drug problems – with executives at the broadcaster said to be proud of his openness.
And bosses hope he will soon be back to his best and ready to return to TV screens.
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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Support also poured in from the star’s millions of fans – who applauded his bravery for tackling his demons head-on after he told The Sun on Sunday: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.”
Thousands of fans took to social media to send messages to the Britain’s Got Talent favourite, with many of his friends in showbusiness understood to have been in touch privately.
A spokesman for ITV told The Sun: “We’re sending Ant all of our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
If you’re suffering from problems with drugs, alcohol or depression these hotlines can help:
- Action On Addiction 0300 330 0659
- Mind 0300 123 3393
- Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177 650