Ant McPartlin jokes about his sobriety on 'I'm A Celebrity' spin-off

Updated

Ant McPartlin made a light-hearted joke about his past troubles with booze on last night’s I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp.

McPartlin and his presenting partner Declan Donnelly were talking to presenter Emily Atack on the I’m A Celebrity spin-off programme when the former IAMGMOOH contestant said she would like to have a drink with new camper Andy Whyment.

“I can't!” McPartlin quipped.

Donnelly looked a bit startled that his pal had referred to his arrest and stint in rehab, but then laughed and the pair moved on.

Ant and Dec on <i>I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp</i>. (ITV)
Ant and Dec on I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp. (ITV)

The TV star took a step back from his work commitments and missed the last series of the ITV jungle show after he was convicted of drink-driving.

He is now back alongside his presenting partner Declan Donnelly on the programme.

McPartlin made another joke about his absence when he and Donnelly were reunited for the new series earlier this month.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly attend "Ant and Dec's DNA Journey" BAFTA TV Preview at Barbican Centre on November 05, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly attend "Ant and Dec's DNA Journey" BAFTA TV Preview in London (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The pair were discussing the contestants when Donnelly got confused about who they were talking about.

McPartlin teased: “I’ve had a year off, what’s your excuse?”

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McPartlin, 44, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in April 2018 after he was found to be more than twice the legal alcohol limit while driving his Mini in London in March 2018.

TV presenter Anthony McPartlin speaking outside The Court House in Wimbledon, London, after being fined &pound;86,000 at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court after admitting driving while more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
TV presenter Anthony McPartlin speaking outside The Court House in Wimbledon, London, after being fined £86,000 at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court after admitting driving while more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

He did not work for several months and sought rehabilitation treatment, leaving Donnelly to host Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! without him.

Holly Willoughby filled in for him in the jungle.

Stars including Caitlyn Jenner, Ian Wright, Nadine Coyle and Kate Garraway are taking part in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity.

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