Declan Donnelly 'devastated' over Ant McPartlin's return to rehab
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Declan Donnelly is said to be 'devastated' as best friend and presenting co-star Ant McPartlin returns to rehab.
Following news of Ant's drink-drive arrest on Sunday, a statement was released confirming this week's Saturday Night Takeaway would not be going ahead, and that Dec may front the popular series alone for the remaining two weeks.
While Dec has not publicly addressed the news, a friend told The Sun: “He’s just really upset about it all just on so many levels - gutted and worried about Ant obviously and devastated he’s going back to rehab.
“But he’s also worried about the future of Ant and Dec.”
(Image: Daily Mirror)
The friend added that the star needs some time to make decisions about the remaining shows after ITV was forced to makes changes to this Saturday's schedule.
Ant returning to rehab also casts doubt over the future of Britain's Got Talent and I'm a Celebrity, which the pair front together.
A source added to the publication: “He’s very upset and needs time to make any decisions, which is why this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was cancelled."
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
After news of Ant's arrest broke - and subsequent news that SNT would be cancelled this weeked - many fans took to Twitter to sympathise with the star.
"If I was Dec I’d be sympathetic and supportive of course, but, honestly, I’d also be a bit annoyed, as it’s his career too and he’s done nowt wrong," wrote one.
(Image: ITV)
"Feel a bit sorry for DeclanDonnelly in all this.. His own career hanging in the balance. Surly one is nothing without the other," added another, while a third said, "Poor Declan Donnelly dec, he’s going to need really big special hug."
However, a statement from Ant's rep revealed he asked Dec if he could take time off to return to rehab.
“Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments," the statement read.
"He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future. As such ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ will not be going ahead this Saturday.”