Declan Donnelly reveals struggle at being apart from Ant McPartlin for ‘longer than ever before’

The pair were separated for two months while McPartlin was in rehab
Best buddies: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly
Matt Crossick/PA
Emma Powell25 January 2018
The Weekender

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Declan Donnelly has said that it was tough to be apart from presenting partner Ant McPartlin during his stint in rehab over the summer.

The Geordie duo were separated for two months last year while McPartlin sought help for an addiction to prescription painkillers.

Donnelly said it was the longest they had ever been apart since their early teens when they found fame on children’s show Byker Grove.

Speaking about the break, he told the Daily Star: “We were apart for longer than we've ever been before but it was for the best.

Award winners: Ant and Dec adding to their awards haul in 2001
PA

“We've not worked apart since we were 13 years old. It's weird, it's just odd and even when we're not working we hang out together, we live in the same street, we play golf together.”

Donnelly said his friend’s rehab stint helped them to sought out their priorities in life.

He said: “Ant got well and we were back on it and back out in Australia and if anything it’s just made us realise how much we enjoy doing what we’re doing and it’s really put things in perspective for us and put our priorities in order.”

The pair picked up three gongs at this year’s National Television Awards, including Best Presenter for the 17th time.

Ant and Dec - In pictures

National Television Awards 2021 - London
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McPartlin was moved to tears as he made his way to the stage where he gave a emotional acceptance speech.

Speaking to the crowd at London’s O2 he said: “I’m shaking. This has been a very emotional night tonight and quite a tough 12 months so winning this means a lot.

“I’d like to thank all my family and my friends – thank you for all your support, it really means the world to me.”

The TV star recently announced his divorce from wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong.

He is reportedly set to pay Armstrong a record £31 million in their divorce settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle.

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