Ant McPartlin's drug addiction has inspired a new 'Coronation Street' storyline.
Ant McPartlin
The popular presenter shocked fans last year when he voluntarily admitted himself to rehab after becoming dependent on booze and prescription drugs following a botched knee operation and he has inspired ITV soap 'Corrie' to develop a new plotline where Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) gets hooked on morphine.
Daniel told the Daily Star: "The recent story with Ant showed me the trauma is much higher than expected.
"We are dealing with a real issue. It was an interesting story to research. I hope we manage to get it right. It's terrifying how many people end up this way."
Last year, Ant was rushed to hospital in a drug-induced 'psychosis' after taking tramadol, morphine and alcohol.
Speaking about his experience previously, he said: "It was insane. It sends you crazy. It was to the point of hearing things, seeing things in the garden.
"I was at the point where anything - prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs - I would take. And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me I could have killed myself."
Meanwhile, Ant recently revealed that he and his wife Lisa after divorcing after 11 years of marriage.
A representative for Ant, 42, said in a statement: "In response to the recent speculation in the media, Ant is very sad to announce that, after 11 years, he is ending his marriage to Lisa McPartlin."
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