Ant McPartlin and wife Lisa's baby heartache caused 'friction' in 11-year marriage

Earlier today, it was revealed that Ant and Dec’s Ant McPartlin had checked into rehab for drugs and alcohol abuse, with the TV icon becoming dependent on prescription pain relief following an agonising knee injury.

Now it has been reported that Ant and his wife Lisa Armstrong’s heartache at not yet starting a family has caused “friction” in their 11-year marriage.

Ant first met Lisa in 1994 when she was in the band Deuce, just five years after he and his co-star Declan Donnelly first found fame in CBBC drama Byker Grove.

The pair tied the knot in 2006 but have so far been unable to fulfil their dream of having children, which has reportedly caused a strain on their marriage in recent months.

A source told The Sun: “Lisa turned 40 recently and is desperate to have kids. Lately they’ve started wondering if it will really ever happen for them.

“They remain devoted to one another but there’s been a lot of friction.

“It feels like something is missing, and if kids came along it would make the world of difference to both of them.”

Speaking in 2013, Ant previously said of having children: “We’d love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older.

“There’s a rumour we [Ant and Dec] do everything together and that I’m holding off having kids till Dec finds himself Mrs Right.

“I love that idea, but I’m afraid it’s not true.”

He opened up again earlier this year, admitting: “We would love to have a family so fingers crossed.

“If we’re blessed with children, then we’d be over the moon!”

In spite of recent friction Ant and Lisa remain united as a couple, with Ant reportedly breaking down as he confessed his addiction to prescription medication Tramadol, which he’d started to combine with alcohol in a bid to numb the pain of an agonising knee injury, to Lisa and Dec.

Both will support Ant as he spends at least two months in rehab overcoming his addiction, with Ant saying in a statement to The Sun: “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.

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

“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.”

Read more:

[ Ant McPartlin checks into rehab for drugs and alcohol abuse ]

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