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ANT'S OUT
Fresh-faced Ant McPartlin leaves rehab after month of treatment following booze crash nightmare
TROUBLED TV favourite Ant McPartlin has left rehab after a month of intensive treatment, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
Ant, 42, checked into a private clinic following his arrest over a drink-drive smash.
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He appeared gaunt at court 13 days ago. But a source said: “He now looks brighter.”
The troubled telly host seemed full of the joys of spring with his chocolate labrador Hurley.
Clean-shaven Ant’s appearance was in stark contrast to the haunted figure he cut when he was last seen in public.
Ant, 42, joked with a female pal as they walked their dogs in sunshine at a London park this week.
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One onlooker said: “It was great to see him looking so well, and much more upbeat.
“In pictures taken after his accident Ant looked haunted.
“He hadn’t shaved and looked like he hadn’t slept much.
“But the Ant we saw this week could have been a different person.
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Ant McPartlin apologises for drink-driving crash and is fined £86,000 with a 20 month driving ban
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“He looked healthier, brighter and had a big smile on his face.”
The Geordie star has left rehab after a month of intensive treatment.
Ant cancelled all his work commitments and booked into a private clinic after his Mini smashed into two cars in South West London on March 18.
He was banned for 20 months and fined £86,000 at Wimbledon magistrates’ court after admitting drink- driving. He was twice the limit.
A source close to Ant said: “Prior to the crash he was slightly in denial about how serious his problems were, and felt he had things under control.
“But as soon as that happened, he realised he was still in a downward spiral.
“That was why he checked himself into rehab so quickly afterwards.
“He knew that he had to deal with his issues properly.”
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Ant got the nod on Thursday to continue his treatment outside the clinic.
He is understood to be back at his West London home with mum Christine Woodhall, who is supporting him.
Christine was in the car when Ant crashed.
Photos of him emerging in a mud-smeared tracksuit and cap showed him dazed and disorientated.
Ant later said he was “truly sorry” and stated: “I’m addressing what I now recognise as problems with alcohol and emotional issues.”
The source added: “It’s been a very difficult month for him, but the treatment has done him the world of good.
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“He is looking and feeling much better.
“That said, he does know that there are no quick fixes.
“He is still very committed to his recovery, and has a very strong support network around him.”
Ant missed two live episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway while in rehab — leaving his TV partner of 29 years, Dec Donnelly, to host the show alone.
Dec, also 42, looked glum last week as stepped out in West London — walking past a sign that read “Friends who pray together stay together”.
Ant can be seen in the pre-recorded audition stages of Britain’s Got Talent, but will be absent from the live finals.
The source said: “He needs to concentrate all his energies into recovery.”
TEN-MONTH TRAUMA
ANT has suffered a troubled ten months in his battle against addiction.
JUNE 18, 2017: The Sun on Sunday reveals he has checked into rehab after confessing to problems with substance abuse, booze and prescription drugs.
AUG 2017: He tells The Sun on Sunday how he was rushed to hospital at 5am after a “drug-induced psychosis” left him fearing for his life. He also admits his addiction took a toll on his marriage to Lisa Armstrong.
NOV 2017: It emerges that Ant and Lisa are living separate lives after he moved into rented accommodation near their West London home. Later that month he flies to Australia to film I’m A Celeb.
DEC 2017: Lisa tells friends they are to end their 11-year marriage.
JAN 2018: A spokesman for Ant announces he and Lisa are filing for divorce.
MARCH 18: He is arrested for drink-driving after a three-car crash in Mortlake, South West London.
MARCH 19: Ant is freed by police and checks into rehab, cancelling all TV work for the foreseeable future.
APRIL 16: He pleads guilty at Wimbledon magistrates’ court to drink-driving. He is given a 20-month ban and fined £86,000. Ant offers to pay in two to five days.
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