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PRISONER IN HIS OWN HOME
Troubled Ant McPartlin only allowed contact with mum and co-star Dec Donnelly as his second round of rehab begins
ANT McPartlin was in lockdown at his home today as he begins his rehab — and will play no part in discussions about the future of his TV shows.
The troubled star spent today behind closed doors at the £1.6million rented property, with best pal Dec Donnelly in only limited telephone contact to check on his wellbeing.
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But Ant — embarking on a second bid to beat his demons — will have no say in discussions over whether the rest of their Saturday Night Takeaway series will go ahead following his arrest last Sunday on suspicion of drink-driving.
Crunch talks between Dec and ITV are due tomorrow and will see a decision taken over the remaining two episodes — including one in Florida with millions of pounds in sponsorship and deals at stake.
A source said: “Ant is now out of things professionally, completely cut off from everything. He’s checked out. His mum Christine is still at the house as she lives there too and Dec is in touch by phone — but purely as his best friend. They aren’t talking about work.
“Ant is very ill and it would be unfair to involve him in very difficult discussions about the TV shows while so much else is going on.
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CCTV captures Ant McPartlin driving moments before car crash and arrest on suspicion of drink-driving
“He may still be at home, but cutting himself off from everything is the first stage of his treatment before he decides exactly how to proceed with getting himself better. He needs time, he needs his best mate and he needs proper help.”
Geordie Ant, 42, is also dealing with the legal consequences of his arrest after he failed a roadside breathalyser following a collision with two other cars as he drove his Mini in South West London.
He is devastated but has told those close to him he has no intention of using any legal loopholes to escape the consequences.
The star stood down from Saturday Night Takeaway on Monday — throwing the future of the series into chaos. This weekend’s show is cancelled and the remaining two are hanging in the balance.
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Some executives are now considering a stand-in team which would see stars including Stephen Mulhern, Scarlett Moffatt, Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby join Dec for the final two episodes.
However others believe the series should be pulled off screens.
An announcement may be made as early as today.
A source said: “A huge amount of work’s gone into creating this year’s Takeaway and many don’t want it wasted, but replacing Ant is extremely difficult.
“He and Dec have never worked apart. So people have been reluctant to team Dec up with someone else in case it damages any of their magic.
“Bringing in a team of friends seems a potential solution. It would mean Dec had support from people he’s close to, without feeling Ant’s been replaced.”
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Ant was put on indefinite leave after the weekend crash and insiders say there is no chance he will return for Britain’s Got Talent in May — with even I’m A Celebrity at the end of the year looking unlikely.
Mum Christine joined him earlier today at the home in Chiswick, West London, where he has been renting since splitting from wife Lisa Armstrong.
Pals say the star, who entered rehab last summer after admitting a drug addiction, is determined to beat his issues and will take as long as needed — even if it means missing all this year’s TV commitments.
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