Holly Willoughby Says ‘Healthy And Happy’ Ant McPartlin Has Given Her His Seal Of Approval To Co-Host ‘I’m A Celebrity’ With Declan Donnelly

'It does help that we all know each other.'
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Holly Willoughby has revealed that Ant McPartlin has given her his seal of approval to host this year’s series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ alongside his TV partner Declan Donnelly.

Ant announced he would be taking an extended break from all of his TV commitments last month so he could focus on his recovery following his arrest for drink driving.

Ant, Holly and Dec.
Ant, Holly and Dec.
PA Archive/PA Images

In a new interview, Holly admitted replacing the star was a “tricky situation” and that it would be “weird” for Dec to be joined by a new co-host after 16 years fronting the ITV show with Ant.

The ‘This Morning’ host told Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine: “It’s a tricky situation in many ways. Ant was part of the discussion from the off.

“He’s happy that I’m looking after it until he gets back. It does help that we all know each other. I think I’m A Celeb will be more weird for Dec than for me. He’s only ever worked with Ant.”

Holly Willoughby
Holly Willoughby
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

Holly’s remarks come as Ant celebrates six months sober. On Saturday, his friend Simon Hargreaves praised his “strength and determination” in a tweet.

Simon tweeted: “Long overdue catch up with my buddy of 20+ years for lunch this week. 6 months sober, annoyingly healthy looking, and happier than I’ve seen him in years.

“Immensely proud of this lad for his strength and determination to face up to his issues and get help.”

Following Ant’s arrest back in March he headed back to rehab, having spent two months there last year when he became addicted to painkillers to help with a botched knee operation.

He was later fined £86,000 in court after pleading guilty to the drink-driving charge.

Chris J Ratcliffe via Getty Images

Among the stars who have been rumoured for this year’s series include ‘Good Morning Britain’ host Kate Garraway former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Brendan Cole, ‘Coronation Street’ star Catherine Tyldesley, ‘Holby City’ actor Rosie Marcel and Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing.

‘I’m A Celebrity’ returns to ITV in November.

Ant and Dec Through The Years

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