Ant McPartlin's TV return is 'in the hands of doctors' as he continues his recovery after leaving rehab
Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Ant McPartlin might be keen to get back to work, but the ITV star must reportedly prove to doctors that he has beaten his drug addiction before he can return to TV.
The TV star left rehab last week and is clean of all drugs , except paracetamol, for the first time in three years but won't be able to make his TV comeback until doctors are happy that he has made a full recovery, according to reports.
Ant hopes to be back on top of his game in time for this year’s I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! that will film in Australia in November.
But the 41 year old doesn't feel pressured to rush back - and will only do so on the advice of his doctors.
(Image: Getty)
"Ant obviously wants to be back if he can be, but in the end it will come down to what the doctors say — and he won’t go against their advice," a TV source told The Sun .
"His recovery is ongoing and for insurance reasons he’d have to be fully signed off by a doctor before heading to Australia this year.
"Everyone is hopeful and things are going in the right direction, but ITV have made it clear they aren’t going to rush him and he’ll take the advice he is given.
"Nobody wants to see him do himself more harm than good by racing back too soon."
Mirror Online have contacted ITV and Ant's representative for comment.
(Image: Rex Features)
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Ant will spend the next few weeks with his devoted wife out of the limelight after he admitted his marriage may not survive his addiction .
The I'm A Celebrity presenter was forced to reveal all in a tearful confession to wife Lisa Armstrong and TV partner Declan Donnelly , after breaking down about about his addictions.
Speaking for the first time since checking into rehab, Ant revealed childhood sweetheart Lisa, who is a make-up artist on Strictly Come Dancing, has been 'fantastic' as she supported him in his recovery.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
The couple will now spend the next few weeks together with close friends and family out of the public spotlight while he continues his recovery.
Ant took to Twitter on Sunday evening to thank fans for their kind words after he broke his silence following his stint in rehab.
He wrote: "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. A xxx"
In an interview with The Sun Ant said: "I’ve put Lisa through hell with mood swings and depression and how it affects you.
“I’m very sorry about the effect it has on partners. This kind of stuff puts strains on any marriage.
“In hindsight, I should have mentioned it earlier but you’re embarrassed about it.”
“All I can say at the moment is that she’s been amazing — fantastic throughout, Ant added.
(Image: FilmMagic.com)
Lisa, who married Ant in 2006, is believed to have discovered her husband's drug use after he broke down in an emotional meeting with her and best pal Dec.
Speaking now, Ant confessed: "I was desperately worried about Lisa in rehab.
“But they start introducing phone calls after a few weeks."
The TV presenter added: “This is something that I’ve gone through, I’ve done it. I’ve stuck to it. I’m proud of doing it. There’s a very positive outcome which is great.
“Lisa has gone back to work. She’s got all the pre-filming for Strictly next week.
“She’s been very supportive. As has Dec. Time will tell (about the marriage). It’s very personal, isn’t it.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Lisa revealed she''d been overwhelmed with support in a touching Twitter message shortly after Ant checked into rehab.
She wrote: "Completely overwhelmed by all your love & support it means so much. I'm relieved he's receiving the help he needs, we just need him better."
In his latest interview, Ant reflected: “Money doesn’t make you happy. That’s been well documented over the years — but it helps to have a good life, though. I’m very lucky. Happiness for me is eventually being pain free."
The star also spoke about best pal and TV partner Dec.
Ant said: “Because we’ve got such a great working relationship. I enjoy my job so much. I love it.
“It would be hell during the day in terms of the pain (from the knee).
“But when you go live there’s an adrenaline buzz, your professionalism kicks in and you just get through the job.
He admitted: “I would take stuff so I was in no pain whatsoever during the show so that I could perform, especially on shows like Saturday Night Take-away where it’s very energetic.
“You just don’t think about it. It’s not until late at night when the pain kicks in again and you’re on your own and depressed about it.”