Britain’s Got Talent’s Simon Cowell says Ant McPartlin will reunite with Declan Donnelly on next year’s show: ‘He’s not a bad person’

Donnelly hosted the live shows solo following McPartlin's drink-drive charge 
Reunited? Simon Cowell wants Declan Donnelly back on BGT next year
PA
Jennifer Ruby4 June 2018
The Weekender

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Simon Cowell has said that he expects Ant McPartlin to reunite with presenting partner Declan Donnelly on next year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

The show’s head judge and executive producer said that he will “support” the star when he returns next year, following his drink-driving charge and battle with alcohol addiction.

Speaking ahead of Sunday night’s live final, Cowell said: “He’s not a bad person, he’s not the only person these things happen to.

"He’s in the public eye. It’s a wake-up call. It’s as simple as that.”

Charged: Ant McPartlin was arrested for drink-driving in March  (Steve Parsons/PA )
Steve Parsons/PA

Cowell went on to say that he hadn’t realised the amount of “pressure” that McPartlin had been under when he crashed he car while under the influence of alcohol in March.

He said: “Maybe the pressure was more than I realised. I will support Ant when he comes back.”

Britain's Got Talent 2018 : The Grand Final - in pictures

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Admitting that he’s keen for McPartlin’s return, Cowell said: “He’s not a malicious person, he’s just got himself into a place.

“But he has owned it and he’s going to deal with it. He’s taken a step back because his health is way more important than a TV show. We want him back.”

The star has been in treatment following his readmission to rehab after a car crash and a drink-driving conviction.

After pleading guilty, McPartlin was given a fine of £86,000 and banned from driving for 20 months at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court in April.

Donnelly hosted this year’s live BGT shows solo, and was praised by Cowell for his efforts on Sunday.

“I just want to say, to you Dec, you have done an outstanding job this week. Seriously, thank you,” he told him.

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