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Ant McPartlin’s wife Lisa Armstrong tells friends she could have saved him from ‘drink-drive’ shame
ANT McPartlin's estranged wife Lisa told pals she is "distraught" after the star's drink-drive charge — and believes she could help him.
Friends close to Lisa, 41, say she has been hugely upset by the accident despite their break-up.
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A source said: “Lisa really thinks she could have helped to save him. She’s been upset watching on from afar and thinks she might be able to get him through the situation.”
But those close to Ant insist their struggling marriage was only making his problems worse, saying: “The relationship wasn’t helping. Ending it was a positive step.”
Ant has been charged with drink-driving after he allegedly smashed into two cars on the wrong side of the road while over the limit.
The 42-year-old TV host had a summons delivered at his home to appear in court next month after attending a police station to be questioned further by cops over the crash.
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He spent just under 60 minutes being quizzed under caution alongside his solicitor yesterday lunchtime before being released.
Four hours later Ant was sent a “postal requisition” informing him he was charged with driving with excess alcohol — and summoning him to appear at Wimbledon magistrates’ court on April 4.
Co-star and best friend Declan Donnelly later visited him at the £1.6million home he has been renting since splitting from wife Lisa and stayed for around an hour before heading back to his own house nearby.
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Ant ended his marriage to Lisa in January after 11 years together.
She had supported him through his stint in rehab for prescription drug addiction last summer.
They have since been battling over the future of their beloved dog Hurley and Ant's £62million fortune.
It's thought the pair will share custody of the chocolate Labrador, while Lisa keeps the £6million home they shared in West London.
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Ant kept his head down as he walked into the police station on Wednesday
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Ant’s charge followed his arrest on Sunday afternoon for allegedly failing a breathalyser test after the crash.
He spent ten hours in custody before being freed while still under investigation, but was asked to return to the station for extra questions.
It is understood a motorcycle courier delivered the summons to his West London home.
The Met announced the charge at 5.29pm on Wednesday night saying: “A man has been charged following a road traffic collision in Lower Richmond Road, SW14 that occurred on Sunday.
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“Anthony McPartlin, 42, of Chiswick, has been charged by postal requisition with drink driving.
"He will appear at Wimbledon magistrates’ court on 4 April.”
Ant went into rehab last summer in a bid to tackle his alcohol and prescription pill dependencies.
On Wednesday night he was seen leaving home with cases of his belongings as he began his quest for further treatment.
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He had been driving home with mum Christine, 61, after walking their dogs in nearby Richmond Park when the crash happened.
The “devastated” star has told friends he is not interested in trying to wriggle out of charges.
He has already pulled out of the rest of this year’s Saturday Night Takeaway series and will not appear on Britain’s Got Talent.
His appearance on this year’s I’m A Celebrity also looks in serious doubt.
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Piers: Ant’s causing havoc for everyone
TROUBLED Ant has caused chaos for ITV over the future of his shows and should have an extended stay in rehab, Piers Morgan has insisted.
The morning telly host, 52, said at the Royal Television Society Awards in London: “Ant’s causing havoc for everyone.
"He just needs to go for treatment and stay there this time.
“A lot of other people are affected by this.”
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In a statement, Dec explained: "Whilst I never thought I'd be in this position, after much discussion and careful consideration we've decided that the remaining two shows of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead.
"We made a promise to take hundreds of deserving winners to Florida to watch the series finale, and we will honour that.
"Everyone at ITV and the Takeaway team feels we owe it to the audience to complete the series.
"Dec x."
Ant McPartlin arrives home at 2.30am after arrest for 'drink-drive' crash
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