Today The Sun exclusively revealed how 42-year-old Ant would not be hosting I’m A Celebrity alongside Declan Donnelly later this year.
In a statement issued to us, Ant said: Ant said: “My recovery is going very well and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off.
“I’d like to thank both Dec and ITV for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to work in the new year.”
Although his fans were gutted, many were behind Ant’s decision and told him to focus on himself.
One tweeted: “Very brave of Ant to halt all of his tv commitments till 2019. I think you’re very brave and I think you made the best decision for you. Wishing you a speedy recovery @antanddec.”
Another told him: “You will be missed of course and can't wait for you to be reunited in 2019.”
While a third said: “I was among the first to slap him down for drink driving, let me be among the first to say well done for taking this step and good luck with the rehab @antanddec.”
Saturday Night Takeaway will also be off air until 2020.
A source explained: “Takeaway airs in February, but many viewers may not realise that the filming for the sketches and the preparation begins six months earlier – which is too soon for Ant.
“Sadly that means they have had to tell the production team today that they’re going to have to push the next run back until the following year.
“It’s a show they’re hugely passionate about personally and they’re extremely close to the team involved too – but everyone understands that this is a decision which hasn’t been taken lightly and are supportive.
“They all wish him the very best.”
After The Sun announced the news, fans called for Stephen Mulhern to step up and stand in for Ant alongside Dec.
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