Declan Donnelly’s mum, Anne Donnelly, has expressed how proud she is of her son’s best friend, Ant McPartlin, for getting through his battle with addiction.
Earlier this week, Ant spoke out about what he went through, describing in detail the extent of his addiction and his journey to recovery.
Anne, who has known Ant for years, told North News and Pictures: “When I found out about what he had been going through I was quite upset that he had been in that much pain.”
She added: “He has done so well and we are all so proud of him. We are all so happy with the news.”
Ant and Dec have been best friends from a young age, and have worked as a presenting duo for the majority of their lives.
Award-winning TV presenter Ant, now 41, recently left rehab after spending two months there recovering from an addiction to prescription painkillers.
Speaking to The Sun, Ant explained how a knee injury and operation left him reliant on painkillers.
He said he reached breaking point when, one night, he pleaded with wife Lisa Armstrong to take him to hospital after bingeing on tramadol, morphine and alcohol.
Ant also said he was clinically depressed for a year, but didn’t tell anyone until “the very end.”
After speaking out about what happened, Ant took to social media to thank fans for their support, tweeting: “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”
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