Ant McPartlin will not be returning to host 'I'm a Celebrity,' says close friend Stephen Mulhern

The beloved TV host was arrested and pleaded guilty to drunken driving after a three-car collision in West London.

UPDATED JAN 14, 2020

Ant McPartlin and Stephen Mulhern (Source : Getty Images)

Ant McPartlin is likely to miss hosting 'I’m A Celebrity', McPartlin's close friend and 'Britain's Got More Talent' presenter Stephen Mulhern has revealed.

According to a report by Best, the much-loved TV host has said that he will hopefully come back next year. Mulhern's revelation is sure to dash the hopes of 'Ant And Dec' fans who had hoped to see the duo back in action for the return of the jungle themed show 'I'm a Celebrity.'

In the interview with Best magazine, Mulhern said that Ant needs to be left alone and will hopefully be back next year.

"Fingers crossed, Ant will get the treatment he needs and be back to his old self for next year," the 41-year-old TV presenter said.

Stephen Mulhern, Ant's close friend revealed that Ant will indeed not be making a comeback on TV this year, but said that he might return "next year". (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) — Stephen Mulhern, Ant's close friend revealed that Ant will indeed not be making a comeback on TV this year, but said that he might return "next year". *(Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)*

However, a spokesperson for the 42-year-old told The Daily Mail that "no-one knows how long Ant will be in treatment for, or how long he will be off work."

"He'll be off for as long as it takes him to get better. Work is not even being discussed with him. The only priority is him getting better," the spokesperson added.

Whether or not Declan Donnelly, 42, his TV partner of 30 years, will present alone or not, is anyone's guess. Some speculations suggest that Stephen Mulhern himself might step up to host the show. Bookmakers in the UK have put Stephen as the favorite to host with odds at 6/4.

The iconic TV host duo of Ant and Dec will not be returning to the silver screen this year after Ant's drink and drive encounter. (Image Source: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images) — The iconic TV host duo of Ant and Dec will not be returning to the silver screen this year after Ant's drink and drive encounter. *(Image Source: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)*

As we had reported earlier, Ant McPartlin was fined £86,000 and banned from the road for 20 months earlier this month, after he was caught with more than twice the legal alcohol limit following a crash in Richmond, West London the month before.

Ant was arrested after losing control of his black Mini and smashing into two other cars on March 18. The presenter pleaded guilty to driving with 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath, after his involvement in the three-car collision. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. Ant has since checked into rehab for treatment.

Ant appeared on Britain’s Got Talent last weekend but the show was recorded in January. It was Ant’s first TV appearance since the drunken driving incident.