Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have spoken out about Ant McPartlin’s arrest on suspicion of drink-driving.
The duo had avoided the subject on Monday’s episode of This Morning, which led to confusion among viewers as to why the biggest showbiz story of the day wasn’t on the agenda.
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TV presenter Ant, 42, was arrested and released under investigation after his car was involved in a collision with two other vehicles in South West London on Sunday afternoon.
Inquiries continue.
Opening Tuesday’s episode of This Morning, Phillip, 55, acknowledged he and Holly were “talking about a friend” as he said: “This is difficult for us as we’re talking about a friend here. Like many people we are shocked and saddened by Sunday’s incident involving Ant.”
Holly, 37, said: “We can’t say much more as the matter is still being investigated by the police but we want to wish those shaken and upset by the collision a quick recovery and personally for Ant, we hope he gets the time and space to return to full health.”
Phillip continued: “Ant has now gone back into treatment. He’s clearly struggling. He loves Dec. He loves his career and he loves the shows they make together. And he loves their fans.”
Phillip concluded by saying: “The overwhelming feeling, we believe, has to be that no matter who you are, no matter what you do, if you get into a car having had a drink, the responsibility is entirely yours, and we wish all those involved in these sad events all the very best.”
Ant was involved in a collision with two other cars while he was driving his Mini in Richmond, West London on Sunday, and was arrested at around 4pm after failing a roadside breathalyser test.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said that he was “taken to a south London police station for questioning and has since been released under investigation.”
Inquiries continue, added the spokesperson.
It’s since been confirmed that Ant will step down from current TV commitments and return to treatment.
The award-winning presenter voluntarily spent time in rehab last year after struggling with a prescription painkiller addiction sparked by a painful knee operation.
As a result, this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway has been pulled from the schedule.
A statement issued by the star’s rep said: “Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments.
“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.”
A statement issued by ITV confirmed the channel had made a joint decision with Ant and Dec not to air Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend.
“We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series (March 31 and April 7) which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment,” said ITV.
“We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs.”
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