Since Ant McPartlin checked into rehab last month, there have been lots of rumours about the future of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Some reports have suggested that Ant’s co-presenter Declan Donnelly could partner with Holly Willoughby to front the forthcoming series, due to air in November.
However, the latest news is that Dec has apparently told close friends he won’t fly to the Australian jungle without his bosom buddy. Bless him!
Read more: VERY hopeful news for I’m A Celebrity… and Ant McPartlin fans!
“Dec wouldn’t work on screen without Ant on any major show, and he’s said the last thing he would do is go to Australia without him,” a pal told the Mirror.
“To say he would consider working with Holly was ridiculous. He’s a good friend of hers but he wouldn’t do that to Ant.
“Ant and Dec are a team with a huge emotional bond. They’re like brothers, and Dec will only be hosting I’m A Celebrity… with Ant by his side.”
So if Ant doesn’t recover in time, does that mean we’ll see neither of the loveable Geordies on the 17th series? According to the boys’ friend, it won’t come to that.
“They’ve got months yet to sort things out, and the hope is that Ant will bounce back with another hit series of I’m A Celebrity… and they’ll move on from this chapter in their career.”
Ant checked himself into an unknown rehab clinic last month, after admitting he was addicted to prescription drugs and booze.
In an interview with The Sun On Sunday, the 41-year-old said: “I feel like I’ve let a lot of people down, and for that I’m truly sorry.
“I’ve spoken out because I think it’s important that people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time, and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.
“The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.”
Read more: Dec Donnelly calls on Supervet to save his poorly pooch Rocky
Ant and Dec, who’s also 41, first appeared on our TV screens in the late 1980s in BBC children’s drama Byker Grove.
After that, they went on to have a brief pop career under the pseudonym PJ and Duncan.
They’ve collected numerous awards for their TV presenting, as well as OBEs earlier this year. They’re reported to be worth around £62million each.