Ant McPartlin Pictured Looking Healthy Ahead Of 'I'm A Celeb' Return

Over the last few months a lot has been made about Ant McPartlin's trip to rehab following his drink and drug addiction.

Having received treatment, there was still fears that Ant wouldn't be around to present this year's I'm a Celeb alongside long-time friend Dec Donnelly. However, the duo have been pictured together in Australia, with Ant looking very healthy.

In June, McPartlin checked into rehab after ­admitting drink and drugs problems to TV-partner Dec and his wife, Lisa Armstrong.

The former 90s pop star confessed that he was experiencing the problems after long-standing issues with depression and anxiety.

Despite his publicised battle, during the Summer ITV head honcho Kevin Lygo confirmed at the Edinburgh International Film & TV Festival that the nation's most popular presenting team would be back following growing concerns Ant wouldn't be fit to.

He told reporters: "Ant is doing really well and we are expecting him to return for I'm a Celebrity."

ITV bosses had previously floated the idea that This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby would step in, but they now seem pleased to have their most popular pairing back available.

Ant

Credit: PA

Lygo explained the importance of recurring favourites such as I'm a Celeb and Britain's Got Talent, both presented by Ant & Dec, saying: "We don't often talk about shows that have been on for a long time but they are vitally important to ITV and we have to put a lot resource and effort and energy into keeping these shows fresh and good.

"There have been no new entertainment shows in last 10 years that have taken the world by storm."

Ant's addiction problems stemmed from a 2015 knee operation and subsequent reliance on painkillers and alcohol.

Ant and Lisa

Ant and his wife, Lisa. Credit: PA Images

When he was admitted to rehab in June, it came as a shock even to his wife and closest friend. Ant was unable to communicate with the outside world for a period of time, which included being cut off from Lisa and Dec.

Ant and Dec are next door neighbours in West London and are thought to share every aspect of their lives with each other. They have been on stage professionally since getting their start on teen drama Byker Grove in the late 1980s, garnering countless awards in their 25 plus years at the top.

Topics: TV AND Film#, Ant McPartlin, Dec Donnelly, UK Entertainment, ITV, Ant and Dec, I'm a celeb

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.