Ant McPartlin confirms he will NOT be returning to I'm A Celebrity this year

Sob.

Words by Rebecca Fearn.

Ant McPartlin has confirmed he will not be hosting I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here this year alongside long-time best friend and TV partner Dec. The star revealed he is taking the rest of the year off to continue in his recovery since his drink driving incident earlier this year.

Speaking to The Sun Online, Ant stated: '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.”

Ant has been absent from his usual TV hosting duties for shows such as Britain's Got Talent since his charge and this move signals a continuation in his rehab recovery in for alcohol addiction. It has also been confirmed that Ant will not be taking part in Saturday Night Takeaway in 2019, most likely meaning we'll be missing it from our screens until 2020.

The Sun also revealed that Dec will still be heading to Australia later this year to host I'm A Celebrity, but whether he will be presenting alone or alongside another TV personality is yet to be determined.

Dec commented:

'Whilst I am obviously sad at the thought of being without my best friend in Australia this year, I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately. And I am fully supportive of his decision.'