'The first step is to admit to yourself you need help' Ant and Dec's Anthony McPartlin reveals he's checked into rehab

He wants to encourage others to seek help

Anthony McPartlin, half of the award-winning presenting duo Ant and Dec, has revealed that he's checked into rehab after struggling with substance abuse.

The news was revealed to The Sun, as Anthony opened up about his struggles in an interview with the paper.

'The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry', he said, revealing that he checked into rehab for 'substance abuse, prescription drugs, and drinking'.

Explaining why he decided to go public with the news, Ant said he'd spoken out in a bid to encourage others who might be going through similar issues to seek help.

The pair have been awarded numerous awards for their presenting skills

'I've spoken out because I think it's important that people ask for help if they're going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.

'I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time.'

After the news came out, fans were quick to offer their support to the I'm a Celebrity presenter.

One fan wrote on Twitter: 'The whole nation supports Ant, Dec, You and your families. The country sends you love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Get well soon.'

Another said: 'He will always be our Ant!! Dec will always be our Dec. We love them unconditionally for who they are.'

Anthony's presenting partner Declan Donnelly also took to Twitter to thank fans for their kind messages.

'Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated', he wrote on social media.

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As well as receiving love from fans, Ant is also being praised by charities who say his courage in seeking help and speaking out about his struggles will help other people to seek help too.

A spokesman for the Mental Health Foundation said: 'Two in three of us in our lifetimes are likely to experience a mental health problem – recovery is possible but it often requires support.

'We also know that men are less likely to reach out for help, it takes courage to do so and if a positive can be taken from Ant's experience it's that more people will reach out for help.'

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