Ant McPartlin, 49, opens up about his ‘life-changing’ diagnosis and admits it ‘completely made sense’ after years of struggles

Ant McPartlin previously opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD when he was 43, admitting it ‘completely made sense’ after years of struggles.

The presenter, 49, had shared in a 2019 interview that he received the diagnosis after being ‘thoroughly examined.’

Ant, who is currently hosting the new series of I’m A Celeb with Declan Donnelly, told The Sun at the time: ‘I’ve got ADHD. I don’t mind talking about that. I was so thoroughly examined and diagnosed, I found stuff out about me I hadn’t addressed for years.’

Ant also shared his support for those ‘struggling’ with ADHD too, while sharing how it has unknowingly impacted his career and personal life.

He added: ‘In my job, having what they call ”popcorn thinking” is good because it means you can jump from one thing to another. Professionally it’s brilliant. Personally I’m all over the place.’

Ant McPartlin previously opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD when he was 43, admitting it 'completely made sense' after years of struggles

Ant McPartlin previously opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD when he was 43, admitting it ‘completely made sense’ after years of struggles

Ant received his ADHD diagnosis after he was arrested for drink-driving in 2018, and he said the condition is strongly linked to alcohol dependency.

He is not the only star to go public with their ADHD diagnosis in recent years as I’m A Celeb winner Sam Thompson, Lily Allen, Sheridan Smith and Katie Price have all also opened up about struggling with the condition. 

During Monday’s I’m A Celeb, Ant and Dec paid tribute to Tulisa’s iconic girl boss tattoo while GK Barry tackled the latest Bushtucker Trial.

Back in 2011, Tulisa would hold up her forearm during the opening minutes of the X Factor to proudly show off her ‘Female Boss’ tattoo.  

And during the first Bushtucker Trial, the Geordie duo referred back to the iconic inking as they motivated GK Barry as she screamed while covered in critters. 

GK had just 10 minutes to make her way inside the volcano of caves and tunnels where she had to search in to find hidden stars.

Of course the TikTok star was joined by plenty of jungle critters but as she started the trial, Ant and Dec were on hand to offer plenty of motivational quotes such as: ‘What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.’

Faced with snakes, spiders, rats and plenty of creepy crawlies, GK made her way through with plenty of screaming and swearing. So much so, Ant and Dec declared: ‘We’re going to need to bleep a lot of this!’

The presenter had shared in a 2019 interview that he received the diagnosis after being 'thoroughly examined'

The presenter had shared in a 2019 interview that he received the diagnosis after being ‘thoroughly examined’

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

Constant fidgeting Poor concentrationExcessive movement or talkingActing without thinkingInability to deal with stress Little or no sense of danger Careless mistakesMood swingsForgetfulness Difficulty organising tasks Continually starting new tasks before finishing old onesInability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices 

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During Monday's I'm A Celeb, Ant and Dec paid tribute to Tulisa 's iconic girl boss tattoo while GK Barry tackled the latest Bushtucker Trial

During Monday’s I’m A Celeb, Ant and Dec paid tribute to Tulisa ‘s iconic girl boss tattoo while GK Barry tackled the latest Bushtucker Trial

Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Extinction Rebellion calls for Ant and Dec to be axed from I’m A Celeb for their ties to Santander article image

GK replied questioning, ‘What would Tulisa do?’ if she was in her situation covered in critters. 

Prompting Ant to hold his forearm in her iconic pose and reply, ‘she would by like a female boss’.

Completing the Bushtucker Trial, GK managed to collect an impressive 9 out of 10 stars for camp. 

It isn’t the first time this series, Tulisa has showed off her iconic ‘Female Boss’ tattoo as she held up her arm minutes into Sunday night’s first episode.

In the opening credits at the start of the show, glamorous Tulisa proudly stuck her arm up. 

The tattoo hit the headlines back in 2011 when then X Factor judge Tulisa was accused of illegally promoting her perfume of the same name when she struck a pose to display her forearm at the start of the show.

Offering insight into the tattoo’s meaning she told The Mirror at the time: ‘I was showing off my tattoo long before The X Factor. It’s always been my trademark and it’s always been my nickname’. 

 

I’M A CELEBRITY 2024: MEET THE ALL STAR LINE UP

OTI MABUSE  

Oti Mabuse has already two Strictly glitterballs under her belt

Oti Mabuse has already two Strictly glitterballs under her belt

AGE: 34

OCCUPATION: Professional dancer

FAMOUS FOR: Oti is best known for being a professional dancer on the British television series Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2019 and 2020. 

DANNY JONES 

Danny Jones is one of the bookies' favourites to win this year's I'm A Celeb

Danny Jones is one of the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s I’m A Celeb

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: McFly singer

FAMOUS FOR:  Danny is one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for pop-rock band McFly. 

He is also a coach on The Voice UK. 

BARRY MCGUIGAN 

Former boxer Barry McGuigan is heading into the jungle

Former boxer Barry McGuigan is heading into the jungle

AGE: 63

OCCUPATION: Retired professional boxer

FAMOUS FOR:  Barry was nicknamed The Clones Cyclone and held the WBA and lineal featherweight тιтles from 1985 to 1986. 

GK BARRY

GK Barry is a TikTok star who recently joined the ITV family on Loose Women

GK Barry is a TikTok star who recently joined the ITV family on Loose Women

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION: TikTok star 

FAMOUS FOR: Grace is known for her comedic commentary on culture, lifestyle, and fashion. She has over 3.6 million followers and recently joined the Loose Women panel. 

DEAN MCCULLOUGH 

ITV bosses are hoping Dean McCullough will ruffle feathers in the camp

ITV bosses are hoping Dean McCullough will ruffle feathers in the camp

AGE: 32

OCCUPATION:  Radio 1 DJ 

FAMOUS FOR:  Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by I’m A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views. 

Earlier this year it was announced Dean would be taking over the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, after previously fronting the afternoon slot.  

JANE MOORE  

Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women

Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women

AGE: 62

OCCUPATION: Journalist

 FAMOUS FOR:  Jane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women between 1999 and 2002. 

She returned as a regular panellist from 2013 onwards.

Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from husband of 20 years, Showbiz agent, Gary Farrow. 

MELVIN ODOOM  

Melvin was previously courted by I'm A Celeb bosses back in 2021

Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION: DJ and TV presenter

FAMOUS FOR: His work on radio. Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.

He also had a primetime stint on Strictly back in 2016.

COLEEN ROONEY 

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show's history

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: WAG

FAMOUS FOR: Wagatha Christie case against arch rival Rebekah Vardy.

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history, exceeding Nigel Farage’s £1.5million from last year.

ALAN HALSALL  

Alan Halsall is best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street

Alan Halsall is best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street

AGE: 42

OCCUPATION: Actor 

FAMOUS FOR: Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from I’m A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.

Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap. 

TULISA  

Tulisa is making her career comeback after reuniting with N-Dubz last year

Tulisa is making her career comeback after reuniting with N-Dubz last year

AGE: 36

OCCUPATION: Singer and former X Factor judge 

FAMOUS FOR: Tulisa reunited with N-Dubz last year for a tour after first finding fame with the band in 2007.

In 2011, she became a judge on The X Factor and went on to launch her debut solo album, The Female Boss. 

She released her fourth album with N-Dubz last year.  

 

 

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