Ant McPartlin’s court date postponed for two weeks so troubled star can complete first stage of rehab
Officials have moved Ant's court hearing as they are 'mindful of his personal problems and accept he is taking pro-active steps to deal with those issues'
Troubled Ant McPartlin will not be in court tomorow — because his drink drive hearing has been postponed while he completes the first phase of rehab.
Officials at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today confirmed they had agreed to move it back by a fortnight.
A spokesman for the court said: “An adjournment has been agreed and a new date of hearing has been set for Monday 16th April.”
A source said: “Court officials agreed to push the court date back because Ant is in intensive rehab right now.
“They’re mindful of his personal problems and accept that he is taking pro-active steps to deal with those issues, which is a positive thing.”
Ant, 42, was charged with drink driving after a collision involving two other cars in Richmond, West London, on March 18.
The TV presenter has yet to enter a plea. But if convicted the offence is punishable by an unlimited fine, a driving ban of at least 12 months — and even prison.
Ant has scrapped all work commitments for the “foreseeable future” and returned to rehab. He had treatment for prescription drug and alcohol addiction last summer.
His treatment has also thrown his scheduled appearances fronting Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity later this year into doubt.
Sources say ITV bosses are putting no pressure on him to rush back on screen.
One said: “He won’t be pushed into returning too soon.
“Many people feel that he may have been a bit quick to come back after his problems last year.
“This this time everyone is determined that he takes all the time he needs to deal with things properly.”