GettySimon Cowell has ‘confirmed’ Ant McPartlin’s return to presenting duties on Britain’s Got Talent.
The 42-year-old checked into rehab following his drink-driving car crash on March 18, and was discharged after a month of treatment.
McPartlin, who has taken a step back from his presenting duties alongside Declan Donally, is ‘wanted back’ on our screens.
GettySpeaking to The Sun, Cowell said:
He’s not a bad person, he’s not the only person these things happen to. He’s in the public eye. It’s a wake-up call. It’s as simple as that.
Maybe the pressure was more than I realised. I will support Ant when he comes back.
Cowell then said he ‘wanted him back’ when he’s ready.
He added:
He’s not a malicious person, he’s just got himself into a place.
But he has owned it and he’s going to deal with it. He’s taken a step back because his health is way more important than a TV show.
We want him back.
GettyFollowing the crash, McPartlin was charged with drink-driving, fined £86,000, and banned from driving for 20 months.
Appearing at Kingston police station on March 21, after being interviewed under caution McPartlin was charged with drink-driving.
Also according to The Sun, a source told them McPartlin ‘looks brighter’ after leaving rehab.
An 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.
He looked healthier, brighter and had a big smile on his face.
Speaking outside court, McPartlin admitted he had ‘let people down’.
As reported by the BBC, he told the crowd of journalists:
I just want to say I am truly sorry for what happened. Higher standards are expected of me.
I expect them of myself. I let myself down. I let a lot of people down. For that I am truly sorry.
I would like to apologise to everyone involved in the crash. I am just thankful nobody was seriously hurt.
I accept full culpability for this and wish to apologise to all those concerned.
Ant & Dec, who are ITV’s top earning hosts, are worth £200 million and manage to rake in around £2m an episode for their work on I’m A Celeb, Britain’s Got Talent, and Saturday Night Takeaway and their programmes represent five per cent of ITV’s entire revenue.
McPartlin had previously spoken publicly about his battle with alcohol and prescription drugs addiction.
After spending time in rehab, Ant returned to work in November for his annual appearance on Im a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The pair even joked about Ant’s rumoured absence from the show.
GettyIn January 2018, Ant split from his wife Lisa. Pressure was reportedly put on the marriage by Ant’s addiction issues.
We wish Ant well for the future and on his recovery.
If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 for advice and support.
If you’re experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
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