Getty UKFans have expressed concern for television presenter Ant McPartlin after he gave a ‘worrying’ appearance during the return of Saturday Night Takeaway.
The hit primetime show returned to ITV last night (February 24) and saw Ant and Dec joined by a whole host of celebrities – including Kylie Minogue and Olly Murs – to celebrate the launch of the new series.
However, many viewers took to Twitter to say something ‘didn’t seem right’ about 42-year-old Ant while he appeared alongside his best friend and co-presenter Declan Donnelly.
You can watch Ant return to hosting duties here:
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Ant’s had a tough year – he’s currently going through a divorce from his wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong and had a stint in rehab to help him battle a prescription drug addiction.
During the show last night, Ant appeared red-faced and tired, struggling to read his lines from the auto-cue, sparking concern.
One Twitter user expressed her worries writing:
Ant looks a bit anxious to me… a bit panicky, hope he’s ok.
Ant looks a bit anxious to me… a bit panicky, hope he’s ok. #SNT #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Cat (@cat186) February 24, 2018
Another viewer was also troubled tweeting:
Ant just doesn’t look right someone help him!
Ant just doesn’t look right someone help him! #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Jordan Parsons (@jordlp46) February 24, 2018
One tweeter even thought Ant was drunk:
Anyone else think Ant is wasted? He’s thin and Dec carried him through the show.
He doesn’t look well at all. Maybe he’s just exhausted.
Other fans rushed to support Ant though, praising him for returning to television despite the difficult time he’s going through.
Lucy Dawson defended the presented writing:
Why is everyone saying Ant looks drunk/rough?? Calm down he’s just out of rehab and going through a divorce, I think he’s doing great.
Why is everyone saying ant looks drunk/rough?? Calm down he's just out of rehab and going through a divorce, I think he's doing great #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— lucy dawson (@ludawinthesky) February 24, 2018
Georgina was also sick of people criticising Ant, tweeting:
Genuinely wish people would lay off Ant! He’s doing SO well to be continuing on like this after the sh*t year he had.
Genuinely wish people would lay off Ant! He’s doing SO well to be continuing on like this after the shit year he had ???? @antanddec #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Georgina BB (@GeBirch) February 24, 2018
One user was just happy to see his favourite duo back on the television writing:
Ant and Dec never fail to put a smile on my face!! Love them I do.
Ant and Dec never fail to put a smile on my face!! Love them I do #antanddec #SaturdayNightTakeaway #ilovethisshow #bestever
— Jack Barnes (@JackiB89) February 24, 2018
In January this year, it was announced Ant was divorcing from his wife Lisa, 41.
On January 14, in a statement released to The Sun, Ant’s spokesman confirmed the news:
In response to the recent speculation in the media, Ant is very sad to announce that, after 11 years, he is ending his marriage to Lisa McPartlin.
Ant asks for privacy at this difficult time, for both himself, Lisa and their immediate families. No further statement will be made.
The news came after rumours about the couple’s divorce circulated in the media with Lisa dropping a huge hint on Twitter which added to speculation.
GettyShe shared a farewell message to 2017, waving goodbye to a rubbish year. Literally:
— Lisa Armstrong (@lisaAmakeup) January 1, 2018
Fans have also shown their support for Lisa during this difficult time, sending her messages saying things such as ‘stay strong’.
Whatever’s next in store for the pair, we wish them all the best.
