I’m A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin says he’s ‘feeling great’ and speaks for the first since recovering from drugs addiction in LA — as he’s reunited with Dec
BEAMING Ant McPartlin spoke for the first time since recovering from his addiction in LA — and said "I'm feeling great."
The TV presenters touched down together in Brisbane for this year’s I’m A Celebrity after Ant’s treatment in the States kept them apart for the longest time in their showbiz careers.
Ant, 41, revealed that he was “feeling great” as he recovered from prescription painkiller addiction following a botched knee operation.
He said: “I’m excited to be back, I can’t wait. It’s going to be a good show. I’m feeling great. The flight was all right, I had a lot of sleep and me and Dec had a good catch-up.”
I’m A Celebrity returns on ITV next Sunday, two weeks later than usual so Ant could get extra recovery time.
Dec, 42, was overjoyed to be back with his pal — and declared it worth the wait.
He said: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with him.
“It’s brilliant to be back together, it’s perfect. Everything just slotted back into place. We can’t wait and we’re raring to go. We are really excited.
“We’ll have the same old shenanigans, but with a few little added twists. We just can’t wait to get in and get going now. We’ve been waiting for ages, it’s been a long summer break so we can’t wait.”
Dec’s wife Ali Astall accompanied the pair but Ant was without Lisa Armstrong, his partner of 23 years.
He has moved out of their marital home in West London, having told friends he “needs space”.
Lisa, who is head make-up artist on Strictly, tweeted yesterday: “#haventbeentoOzfor10years #ihaveajob #imnotestrangedthank-you.”
After being driving to their luxury villa, the trio headed to the supermarket to pick up essentials, including cereal, juice and loo rolls.
Later Ant, who was wearing his wedding ring, stripped off by the pool and puffed on a cigarette.
This year’s crop of celebrity contestants have also started to fly in, including former football star Dennis Wise, 50.
