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I'm A Celebrity filming postponed as Ant McPartlin continues with recovery

When Ant McPartlin checked into rehab earlier this year to battle his addiction to painkillers, it was reported that ITV had offered him a year off work, which would include him missing hosting this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

Ant ended up leaving rehab in August and it was believed at the time that he’d be fighting fit to join best friend and co-host Declan Donnelly in the Australian jungle this November.

Ant is still recovering. Copyright: [Getty]
Ant is still recovering. Copyright: [Getty]

However, it has now been claimed that filming for the show has been held up whilst Ant continues to recover in Los Angeles.

The Sun report that I’m A Celeb bosses had hired a “huge” set at London’s Pinewood Studios so that Ant and Dec can record their “big-budget” promo for the popular reality show this Friday but they have now been forced to postpone the filming session.

A source told the publication: “It would have been the first day filming but with Ant away, there is no way they could get started.”

Ant is thought to be returning to work with his co-host, Dec. Copyright: [Rex]
Ant is thought to be returning to work with his co-host, Dec. Copyright: [Rex]

Ant flew to California with his agent Paul Worsley last week in a bid to “get away from the spotlight”.

A friend of the star’s explained: “He’s in recovery and it’s important he has time and space. Paul’s gone to provide support. He is one of his closest friends.”

Despite disrupting the filming schedule for I’m A Celebrity, TV insiders insisted that show chiefs are supporting Ant as best as they can and are happy to give him the time needed to recover.

Ant became addicted to painkillers. Copyright: [PA]
Ant became addicted to painkillers. Copyright: [PA]

They shared: “Ant needed some space away. Everyone completely understands.”

Ant shocked fans in June when he announced that he was seeking professional help after becoming addicted to prescription painkillers following botched surgery on his knee that left him in crippling pain.

Yahoo Celeb UK have contacted Ant’s reps for comment.

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Read more:

[ Ant McPartlin: ‘Drug addiction almost killed me’ ]

[ Prince Harry sent Ant McPartlin a handwritten note during rehab battle ]

[ Ant McPartlin ‘recovering well and set to make sensational TV return ]