This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield send love and support to their ‘good pal’ Ant McPartlin as he checks into rehab
THIS Morning's Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield sent their "love and support" to their good pal Ant McPartlin as he checks into rehab.
The Sun On Sunday exclusively revealed that Ant is battling substance abuse and alcohol addiction and would be checking into rehab for two months.
Phillip said: "We wanted to take this 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 said he was "brave" to speak out while The Sun's agony aunt Deirdre said Ant shouldn't feel guilty about his problems.
She said: "I think it's great that he's spoken out and it sets a great example for other people who we know will be out there and worrying about it, whether for themselves or on the behalf of someone else. For him to step forward like that and say he has a problem.
"He says he feels guilty, I don't think he should. He was suffering with pain. I think it's wonderful he's made that move to get help."
Holly added: "I do too," while Phillip said: "This obviously is proof that whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you do, these sort of things can affect you."
The Sun also revealed today that Ant has been banned from using his phone and won't be allowed to have any visitors, including co-host Declan Donnelly and wife Lisa while he's having treatment.
Celebs and fans alike rushed to support Ant during this difficult time and now Piers has also sent a heartfelt message to the Britain's Got Talent host.
The famous presenting duo yesterday thanked Ant’s fans for their many messages wishing him well.
Holly and Phil's supportive words come after Piers Morgan also sent a heartfelt message to Ant.
After Lorraine Kelly said they would be chatting about the news on her show, Piers said: "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."
As Ant faces months in rehab alone, a source told The Sun's Bizarre: "The most important thing is getting his health on track".
“Right now Ant won’t be able to have access to his phone or any visitors, even from his wife or Dec.”
Ant is expected to spend two months in rehab, where he will spend the majority of that time in a wheelchair following surgery on his right knee.
It was the chronic pain he suffered from the damaged knee that triggered his painkiller addiction.
“I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time.
“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.”
Meanwhile, ITV has vowed to stand by Ant and offered him "whatever help he needs" as he battles his demons.
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
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