Over the weekend, Anthony McPartlin – aka Ant from Ant and Dec – confirmed to the press that he was checking into rehab to seek help for alcohol and prescription drug abuse.

Since then, his wife Lisa Armstrong has addressed the presenter’s fans directly via her Twitter account.

The make-up artist, who married McPartlin in 2006, wrote: “Completely overwhelmed by all your love and support, it means so much. I’m relieved that he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.”

Declan Donnelly – aka Dec – also took to social media to thank the public for supporting his co-star and best friend through this difficult time.

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Writing from their joint account, Donnelly said: “Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched.”

“Your support is, as ever, much appreciated,” added Donnelly.

McPartlin is reported to be seeking treatment for addiction to painkillers.

The pair first met on the children’s television show, Byker Grove in 1990, when they played PJ (McPartlin) and Duncan (Donnelly).

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Sharing storylines on the show created a friendship off-screen as well as on, and they went on to pursue a showbiz career together. Nowadays, they’re famed for presenting shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent together.

Dubbed the nation’s “most beloved presenting duo” on numerous occasions, the pair even had a cameo in hit rom-com Love Actually – where Bill Nighy’s character pointed out that many people can’t tell them apart.

It is for this reason that Ant always stands on the left, and Dec on the right.

Speaking about his decision to check into rehab, McPartlin told The Sun: “The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I’ve let people down. I’m truly sorry.

“I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I’m truly sorry.

“I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time.”

The Britain’s Got Talent presenter – who was awarded an OBE in June 2016 – added: “I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.”

According to the newspaper, McPartlin became addicted to painkillers after suffering from chronic pain caused by a problem in his right knee.

He is expected to spend two months in rehab.

Images: Rex Features