To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Declan Donnelly Speaks Out For The First Time After Ant McPartlin Checks Into Rehab

Declan Donnelly Speaks Out For The First Time After Ant McPartlin Checks Into Rehab

He is said to be 'shell-shocked' by the news.

James Dawson

James Dawson

Declan Donnelly has thanked the public for their shows of support after it was revealed his best friend and TV co-host Ant McPartlin checked into rehab after experiencing problems with drink and prescription drugs.

Speaking on their joint Twitter account, Declan wrote: "Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated."

I'm A Celebrity and Britain's Got Talent television co-host, Ant, has had long-standing issues with depression and anxiety exacerbating his current drink and drug problems, The Mirror reported.

Ant also suffers from chronic pain caused by knee problem and said it has led to him becoming reliant on pain-killers.

Speaking to The Sun On Sunday, Ant said: "The first step is to admit to yourself you need help.

"I've let people down. I'm truly sorry.

a
a

(Credit: PA Images)

"I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I'm truly sorry.

"I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time."

He added: "I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery."

He is expected to spend at least two months in a clinic.

The Mirror has reported that Dec - who has known Ant for more than two decades - is devastated for his best mate and shocked by Ant's problems. Although he had been concerned about his friend, but didn't know the severity of the problems.

The duo pictured back in 2000. (Credit: PA Images)

"For Dec it was a bit of a bombshell hearing about these addiction problems. He had no idea of the full extent of the torment his best friend was going through," a source told The Sun on Sunday .

"Dec couldn't believe his ears through some of it. Soon the truth was all coming out: the substance abuse, the painkillers he was hooked on, the secret drinking sessions.

"It was almost too much for Dec to take in."

Judging from the outpouring of support on social media, it's clear that - alongside his wife and his best friend - the entire country is behind Ant as he begins on the road to recovery.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images