Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield emotionally discuss Ant McPartlin incident
"This is difficult for us, we're talking about a friend here"
Viewers of This Morning were left confused yesterday when show hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield failed to mention anything about Ant McPartlin being held by police, despite it being the most talked about story of the day.
But now, after it has been confirmed that Ant will return to rehab, Holly and Phillip opened today's episode of the popular show by revealing they are "shocked and saddened" by the latest news about their friend.
Phillip said, "This is difficult for us, we're talking about a friend here. Like many people, we're shocked and saddened by Sunday's incident involving Ant."
Clearly emotional, Holly then added, "We can't say much more as the matter is still being investigated by the police, but we want to wish those shaken and upset by the collision a quick recovery and personally for Ant, we hope he gets some time and space to return to full health."
With Phil later confirming how much Ant loves his career by adding, "Ant's now gone back into treatment. He's clearly struggling. He loves Dec, he loves his career, he loves the shows they make together and he loves their fans."
It comes after ITV released a lengthy statement yesterday evening, confirming Ant would be taking a break from his TV commitments to focus on getting more treatment for his addictions.
After the Britain's Got Talent host was held by police on Sunday afternoon on the suspicion of drink driving, ITV said, "Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments. He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future.
"ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec’s team not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend. We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment. We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs."
Despite keeping a low profile since the incident occurred, Ant's on-screen partner Declan Donnelly is reportedly 'devastated' that he won't be working with his best friend for the foreseeable future.
After starting out their careers together on Byker Grove, the pair have gone on to become massive TV hosts, who are both very popular with the British public. Fronting shows such as Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, the Geordie duo have won an impressive 37 National Television Awards.
Earlier today ITV confirmed a new schedule for Saturday evening, following the news that Saturday Night Takeaway has been taken off air this weekend.