Ant McPartlin might never return to TV, says close friend and Hollyoaks star Jeremy Edwards
Ant McPartlin may never return to TV, according to his 'long-term friend' and former Hollywoaks star, Jeremy Edwards.
The actor, who claims to have known McPartlin and Dec Donnelly for years, took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets enumerated that it might finally be time for Dec to go solo permanently, when it comes to presenting.
Dec has already hosted the final two episodes of 'Saturday Night Takeaway' and the Britain's Got Talent live finals without his usual presenting partner, Ant, for the first time this year.
These developments came after Ant stepped down from his TV responsibilities after being involved in a drinking and driving incident, which resulted in a three way car collision.
The 42-year-old presenter was charged with drink-driving and eventually handed a record fine of £86,000, after which he told fans that he was taking time from the limelight to go into rehab and work on his recovery. And now Jeremy has assured that it might have been a permanent decision - or at least should be.
The 47-year-old actor wrote on Twitter: "I love Dec on his own, gentle delivery, more grown up. Obvs I love Ant but maybe it's simply time? For both their sakes. @BGT."
The face behind the beloved Kurt Benson from the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks also added: "I know them both over the years and Dec was always the more confident. Both equally lovely but Ant a bit shy. I'm just worried Ant has had enough but keeps going for his mate. Dec is obviously v comfortable. I love them both."
Dec's solo hosting abilities weren't noticed only by Jeremy in this case though, as at the very end of the BGT final last Saturday night, Simon Cowell also took time out to tell Dec what a great job he had done at solo-presenting.
He said: "I want to say to you, Dec, you have done an outstanding job this week. Seriously, thank you."
Simon's comment comes shortly after he expressed his firm faith that Ant might return to presenting some time in the near fututre - especially when BGT returns to ITV next year for another season.
Cowell had shared with The Sun: "He's not the only person these things happen to. He's in the public eye. It's a wake-up call. It's as simple as that."
He also addressed the added pressure for the troubled presenter, saying he would be happy to give him guidance when he decides to return. "Maybe the pressure was more than I realised. I will support Ant when he comes back."
He continued saying: "He’s not a malicious person, he’s just got himself into a place. But he has owned it and he’s going to deal with it. He’s taken a step back because his health is way more important than a TV show. We want him back."