Ant McPartlin’s trip to Los Angeles is reportedly a bid to help aide his recovery from drink and drug addition.
The Sun report that the embattled star has headed stateside with his agent to focus on his recovery, yet his wife Lisa Armstrong has remained in the UK following reports of strife in the marriage – although he continues to sport his wedding band.
Touching down in LAX on Wednesday, the 41-year-old entertainer mustered a smile while displaying his ring as he jetted away to continue his prolonged recovery following an eight-week stint in rehab that ended last month.
Touching down: Ant McPartlin’s trip to Los Angeles is reportedly a bid to help in his recovery from drink and drug addition
Ant stunned fans earlier this year when he revealed the devastating news that he was headed to rehab after a botched knee operation left him depending on Tramadol and also developing an alcohol addiction.
After bravely speaking out about his battles, fans have avidly supported the star while he continues his recovery, which insiders now claim is continuing during his stateside trip where he is joined by agent Paul Worsley.
A source told The Sun: ‘Ant has gone to Los Angeles to get away from the spotlight. He’s in recovery and it’s important that he has the time and space he needs.
‘Paul has gone with him to help look after him and provide support. He’s his agent but also one of his closest friends.’
Landing: The Sun report that the embattled star has headed stateside with his agent to focus on his recovery, yet his wife Lisa Armstrong has remained in the UK following reports of strife in the marriage – although he continues to sport his wedding band
Prior to his arrival in LA, Dec had been hiding his ring finger when he arrived at London’s Heathrow on Tuesday. It was just this weekend that the I’m A Celebrity star raised concern, by displaying a ring-free hand, during a dog walk in London.
Lisa, to whom Ant has been married since 2006, has stood by his side throughout his troubles – but they are now reported to be having troubles of their own.
According to the Daily Star, Lisa is ‘upset’ with Ant, who previously admitted he had put his wife ‘through hell with mood swings and depression’ during his battle, and that the pair are spending increasing amounts of time apart.
A source told the newspaper: ‘She’s had a rough year. And she’s made it clear it’s because of Ant. They’ve hardly been seen in public together since he came back from rehab a month ago.’
Way back when: Lisa, to whom Ant has been married since 2006, has stood by his side throughout his troubles – but they are now reported to be having troubles of their own
The TV presenter has previously credited wife of 11 years Lisa, for her ‘amazing’ and continued support throughout his troubles, after admitting he had put the make-up artist ‘through hell with mood swings and depression’ before seeking treatment.
Ant returned home after addressing his health battle and seeking out treatment by checking into rehab in June.
He broke his Twitter silence on Tuesday with a message for his beloved sidekick, on his 42nd birthday.
Posting on their shared page, Ant wrote: ‘Happy birthday to the little fella from the ever so slightly taller fella!!xxxx #bigdonsbday’