‘He can come back from this’: Gary Barlow sends friend Ant McPartlin a message of support after drink-drive charge

The Take That singer is standing by the presenter
Support: Barlow pledged his sympathy for McPartlin
Neil Lupin/Redferns/Getty Images
Safeeyah Kazi9 April 2018
The Weekender

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Gary Barlow has sent a message of support to friend Ant McPartlin, insisting that he can "come back from" his drink-driving arrest.

The Forever Love singer sympathised with the TV presenter after he was charged with drink-driving last month and subsequently stepped down from all his work commitments.

Barlow told Mail on Sunday: “It’s hell when you are in it because you can’t see a way out. And when you have the whole world watching it makes it three times worse, because you can’t escape it.

“But what Ant should know is that he can come out of this. He needs to get well, but he can come back. I’m a big fan of those guys.

Barlow added: “He needs to know that everyone loves him and that doesn’t just go. When you’re in a bad way, you don’t realise it, but everyone is really rooting for you to get back on your feet. You just have to believe you can do it.

"I hate to see anyone going through a really tough time, that’s why I sympathise with Ant.”

McPartlin was charged by postal requisition on March 21 after allegedly being involved in a collision with two other cars while he was driving his Mini in Richmond, west London, on March 18.

The news comes after Declan Donnelly called for a round of applause for Ant McPartlin as he hosted the series finale of Saturday Night Takeaway alone.

Ant and Dec - In pictures

National Television Awards 2021 - London
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Donnelly helmed the live episode from the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida without McPartlin, who has said that he won't work for the rest of the year.

After the episode went off air, Donnelly thanked the audience for their support during the series, adding that it had been "fun" but "tinged with sadness".

He asked the audience for a round of applause for McPartlin, "who is back at home".

Donnelly added: "He'll appreciate that."

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