Declan Donnelly looks glum as he chats with wife Ali Astall, just days before sidekick Ant McPartlin checks into rehab
The presenter thanked fans for their support following Ant's admission that he's struggling with substance addiction
DECLAN Donelly looked downbeat when pictured just days before best pal Ant McPartlin's emotional admission that he's been battling alcohol and prescription drug addiction.
The Geordie star was seen climbing out of his £150,000 Bentley Bentayga with wife and manager Ali, but looked less chirpy than usual.
He wore a stripy tee and charcoal shorts with stone-coloured Nike trainers as he stood beside his wife, who was wearing shades and holding papers close to her chest.
Another man appeared to be admiring Dec's luxury car, and managed to cheer the I'm a Celebrity host up, with Dec grinning as he made his way towards him.
A little sausage dog temporarily distracted the star as it ran around his feet.
Dec addressed fans via his and Ant's official Twitter account after his work partner revealed he was battling addiction.
He wrote: “Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated. DD xx.”
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Ant's wife Lisa also tweeted: “Completely overwhelmed by all your love & support it means so much. I’m relieved he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.”
The Sun On Sunday revealed that Ant, 41, had checked in to a rehab facility on Saturday night.
The Britain’s Got Talent presenter wept as he revealed his problems to Lisa and Dec, who has been his professional partner since they were child actors.
Hours before the news broke, Dec was seen jetting out of the country to an undisclosed location.
It is believed that Ant will spend at least two months in a clinic.
He told The Sun on Sunday: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.”
Courageous Ant told how his depression led to an addiction to prescription drugs and battles with substance and alcohol abuse.
The much-loved star, one half of Britain’s top-paid telly duo, confessed: “I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry.
“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."
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