Noel Edmonds insists Ant McPartlin’s ‘flippant’ pals have damaged his recovery and urges him to stay away from negative energy

TV legend Noel Edmonds claims “flippant’’ pals damaged Ant’s recovery and warned: “He has to stay away from the negative energy which is alcohol and drugs.’’

Noel, 69, has been in close contact with Ant to offer advice on depression — and chatted to him just hours before last Sunday’s car crash.

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He said: “What Ant needs is rock-solid people around him.

"People he respects and that speak with love, rather than flippant people who pander to his ego.

“When you go to the darkest place, all reason and logic deserts you and you are very dependent on having good people around you.”

Noel, former king of live Saturday night TV, battled his own depression after falling victim to financial fraud.

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He met Ant and Dec for the first time earlier this year — and last weekend the duo invited Noel’s wife Liz, his stepson and a family pal to sit in the Saturday Night Takeaway audience.

The ex-Deal or No Deal host spoke on the phone to Ant soon after filming to thank him.

He said he felt “awful” when told of Ant’s crash.

Noel said: “I will of course keep in touch with Ant.

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"But I’m not a professional counsellor so please don’t think I’ve been on the phone every five minutes to Ant.

He added: “I hope we can get back to enjoying a brilliant talent.

"They are probably the best live presenters we’ve ever seen in this country.’’