Robbie Williams has offered his support to Ant McPartlin through his battle with drink and prescription drug addiction.
Robbie Williams
The 41-year-old presenter is to spend at least two months at a rehab clinic to be treated for his problems and the 'Let Me Entertain You' hitmaker - who has received similar treatment in the past - has reached out to the 'Britain's Got Talent' host, and is also advising his co-presenter Declan Donnelly on how best to help their pal through his demons.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Robbie has battled the same demons as Ant and come out the other side, so he knows he must be going through hell.
"He felt he could offer advice. He has been where Ant is himself, and wanted to help.
"He has had conversations with Dec about the most helpful points of the treatment and what he found most difficult.
"And he has given a lot of advice about how to support his friend as much as possible.
"Robbie has also sent Ant a few messages directly. He made it clear that if he wants to talk to him, he can."
It was previously revealed ITV bosses have told the popular presenter he can take a lengthy sabbatical to get himself back on track, if he feels it is necessary.
A source said: "It is all still too early to say for sure what will happen, but all anyone wants is for Ant to get well again. He and Dec are the backbone of the ITV family and ... Ant has the network's complete and utter support.
"Formally, Ant has no work commitments until November and obviously the hope is that he will be completely better by then, and able to fulfil them. But ITV will not rush him in any way, and the feeling is he must take as long as he needs.
"If he wants a 12 month sabbatical, frankly he deserves it. The sense is though that both Ant and Dec love working, and Ant will want to get back down to work before the end of the year."
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