Ant McPartlin ‘praises NHS doctor for helping him battle painkiller addiction’ after fearing for his marriage

McPartlin was left in chronic pain after undergoing a private operation
Recovery: Ant McPartlin with his friend and TV partner Declan Donnelly
John Stillwell/AFP/Getty
Emma Powell15 August 2017
The Weekender

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Ant McPartlin has heaped praise on the NHS doctor who performed surgery on his leg after he turned to drugs to cope with the agonising pain following a private operation on his knee.

McPartlin, 41, sought help from Professor David Deehan, who he reportedly credits with kick starting his recovery, after he became hooked on painkillers.

“Professor Deehan has been a huge part of turning Ant’s life around,” a source told The Sun. “Ant thinks he’s brilliant and can’t stop telling everyone how important this guy has been to his recovery.

“He was so let down by private healthcare, both in terms of his failed knee op and doctors who kept prescribing him dangerous painkillers in London. Ant knew he needed a different surgeon.”

Support: Ant McPartlin with his wife Lisa Armstrong
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

Professor Deehan told the publication: “It is always a privilege to help and surgery is a team effort. It is also very easy and a joy to treat a patient who is so honest and as motivated as Anthony.”

McPartlin – one half of famous TV duo Ant and Dec – opened up about the NHS operation in his first interview since checking into rehab, describing it as “horrendous”.

He told The Sun: “It’s a very painful operation. They physically break your bone. They’ve broken the tibia and moved it across to realign my leg to stop the pressure.”

Ant and Dec - In pictures

National Television Awards 2021 - London
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The TV star apologised for putting his wife “through hell” and thanked her for her “amazing” support.

“I’m very sorry about the effect it has on partners. This kind of stuff puts strains on any marriage.

“Lisa has gone back to work. She’s got all the pre-filming for Strictly next week.

“She’s been very supportive. As has Dec. Time will tell (about the marriage). It’s very personal, isn’t it.”

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