The popular TV host had spiralled into depression and substance abuse following a painful knee injury and his wife's fertility problems. He has now checked into rehab for a two-month stint, according to media reports.
"The most important thing is getting his health on track. Right now Ant won’t be able to have access to his phone or any visitors, even from his wife or Dec," a source close to the couple told the Daily Mail.
Ant said yesterday: "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."
He added: “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.”
Talking about how Ant had hit rock bottom, another source close to the star revealed: "Ant simply wasn’t leaving the house unless it was for absolutely necessary work, like BGT, or the Baftas, or medical treatment on his knee.
"He’d become a virtual recluse stuck in the house because of the total agony he was in, becoming dependent on medication over months and months. In the last few weeks it got worse and he wouldn’t even leave the house to go to the shops."
Ant's wife Lisa took to Twitter last night to thank fans for their support. "Completely overwhelmed by all your love & support it means so much. I'm relieved he's receiving the help he needs, we just need him better," she wrote.