Ant McPartlin has said he is “overwhelmed” by the support from fans after he revealed he nearly died as he battled depression, alcohol and substance abuse.
The TV star – one half of much-loved duo Ant and Dec – entered rehab in June after struggling with a two-year addiction to super-strength painkillers following a knee operation in 2015.
Opening up for the first time since leaving rehab, he told The Sun on Sunday he was at the point where doctors said he could have killed himself.
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After being flooded with messages of support, Ant posted on Twitter to thank everybody.
“Have to say I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s love, support and well wishes today.
“Thank you one and all.
“I’m sending all my love back. Axxx”
Two months after his time in rehab, the Geordie favourite is now out and ready to reveal the full extent of his troubles.
“I was at the point where anything — prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs — I would take,” he told The Sun.
“And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me, ‘You could have killed yourself’. ”
This wake-up call came during an early morning dash to Chelsea & Westminster hospital, as Ant was in excruciating pain from an ongoing knee injury.
Ant told the tabloid this was the moment he knew to unburden his secret issues to wife Lisa and best pal Declan Donnelly.
“Coming out of Chelsea and Westminster, that was when we sat down and it was decided I needed to go into rehab,” he continued.
“Dec came around and he kind of knew it was at the point where I needed help.
“Once I admitted I was in a bad way, they then helped get a team together because obviously I wasn’t in a fit state to do it myself.
“We had an hour’s conversation then I packed my bag and I went.
“I’m lucky because I have the means to do that. But there are a lot of people who don’t. So I’m very grateful.”
The Sun reports that the ITV star looks better than he has in some time – he’s lost a stone in weight and looks bright-eyed.
Here’s to his continued recovery – and return to our screens soon.