‘This is making me so sad’: Ant McPartlin fans reach out to TV star as he pleads guilty to drink-driving

The TV star was flanked by police officers as he made his way through a mob of paparazzi
Support: Fans reached out to Ant McPartlin
Getty Images
Emma Powell16 April 2018
The Weekender

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Ant McPartlin fans have thrown their support behind the TV star, encouraging him to keep ‘fighting his demons’ after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

The Saturday Night Takeaway host was flanked by police officers as he made his way through a pack of paparazzi and reporters as he arrived at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The court was told McPartlin, who checked into rehab for alcoholism and substance abuse last year, was twice the legal limit when he crashed his Mini into two vehicles in Richmond last month. His lawyer described what happened on the day of the crash as a “brief relapse”.

Fans were quick to offer their support to McPartlin, who returned to rehab following the crash, with many slamming the press for intruding on his personal life.

One Twitter user posted: “We’re behind u ant!! Get rid of your demons and get back on screen. We all know mental health is the devil xx.”

Another tweeted: “I’m so mad at the paps. The last thing Ant needs right now is a million camera’s in his face, this is making me so sad.”

A third wrote: “Who else thinks Ant Mcpartlin looks SHATTERED? Bless the poor soul. He's had a hard time and the media need to stop making things worse for him!”

McPartlin was arrested on March 18 after failing a roadside breathalyser following the collision which resulted in a child from one of the cars being taken to hospital.

Ant McPartlin arriving at Wimbledon Magistrates Court - In pictures

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McPartlin, who was charged by postal requisition three days after, later announced his return to rehab and confirmed he has cancelled all upcoming work commitments for the rest of the year.

His TV partner Declan Donnelly fronted the remaining episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway alone, including the series finale in Florida.

McPartlin's court hearing came months after he announced his split from wife Lisa Armstrong.

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