Embattled Ant McPartlin appears in much higher spirits

Embattled Ant McPartlin was seen looking relaxed and smiling on Friday as he took his dog for a stroll in London, days before he is set to jet Down Under. 

The 41-year-old TV favourite, who completed a stint in rehab for alcohol and drug dependency earlier this year, waved to passersby during his amble with Hurley as he prepares to return to work on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here next week.

He looked healthier than ever despite recent reports that he is currently ‘re-evaluating’ his marriage to wife Lisa Armstrong, who shares a message on Twitter in which she branded herself a ‘f**king legend’ through a cheeky meme.

 

Happier now: Embattled Ant McPartlin was seen looking relaxed and smiling on Friday as he took his dog for a stroll in London, days before he is set to jet Down Under

Ant has suffered a difficult 2017, after admitting in June he had been battling a two-year addiction to painkillers after a devastating knee injury. 

After successfully completing his rehab stint, the star has been on the up ahead of his big return to TV alongside his best pal Declan Donnelly on November 19. 

While there were long-running questions over his return, he is set to comeback having overcome his demons in the past weeks. 

As Ant seemed firmly on the road to recovery, his wife Lisa seemed also on the up as she took to Twitter to share a snap about being ‘a f**king legend’.

Heading off: The 41-year-old TV favourite, who completed a stint in rehab for alcohol and drug dependency earlier this year, waved to passersby during his amble with Hurley as he prepares to return to work on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here next week

Heading off: The 41-year-old TV favourite, who completed a stint in rehab for alcohol and drug dependency earlier this year, waved to passersby during his amble with Hurley as he prepares to return to work on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here next week

Back again! I'm A Celeb is set to return to screens shortly - making for Ant's first return to work since he first confessed to his woes 

Back again! I’m A Celeb is set to return to screens shortly – making for Ant’s first return to work since he first confessed to his woes 

Walking the dog: Ahead of his tipped return to the jungle, Ant appeared more relaxed than he has in recent months 

Walking the dog: Ahead of his tipped return to the jungle, Ant appeared more relaxed than he has in recent months 

In June, Ant confirmed he planned to battle his demons – after admitting he had spiralled into depression and substance abuse following a painful knee injury and fertility issues.

Ant revealed his plans to check in to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction, when he told The Sun about his demons, and admitted he’s ‘let people down’ before thanking his wife Lisa and co-star Declan for the support provided.

Earlier this month, sources claimed that TV presenter is ‘re-evaluating’ his marriage after moving out to a location, just a few streets away from his £6million mansion where Lisa, 41, lives.

An insider told The Sun: ‘They are effectively leading separate lives.’ The couple have been plagued by speculation surrounding their marriage, following Ant’s stay in rehab earlier this year in a bid to tackle drug and alcohol dependency.

Tough times: In June, Ant confirmed he planned to battle his demons - after admitting he had spiralled into depression and substance abuse following a painful knee injury and fertility issues

Tough times: In June, Ant confirmed he planned to battle his demons – after admitting he had spiralled into depression and substance abuse following a painful knee injury and fertility issues

Troubled times? While Ant continues to wear his wedding ring, Lisa has been pictured without hers in recent weeks, fuelling fears over their relationship

Troubled times? While Ant continues to wear his wedding ring, Lisa has been pictured without hers in recent weeks, fuelling fears over their relationship

While Ant continues to wear his wedding ring, Lisa has been pictured without hers in recent weeks, fuelling fears over their relationship.

Despite flying off soon for Australia where he will front I’m A Celebrity, alongside Dec, the star is said to living away from Lisa, in a £1.6million rental home registered in the name of a private company.

Sources claim that Ant is currently ‘re-evaluating everything’ while taking some time away from Lisa, adding to the publication: ‘[Ant] said he needs space and everyone respects that.’

They have claimed that Ant’s stay in Australia while working on I’m A Celeb will act as a ‘make or break’ few weeks for himself and his wife, as they will use the time apart to ‘decide how they feel about each other’.  

Back again: The duo have starred on I'm A Celeb since its inaugural series in 2002 

Back again: The duo have starred on I’m A Celeb since its inaugural series in 2002 

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