Loose Women panellists send their love to Ant McPartlin as he checks in rehab

On behalf of the Loose Women panel Christine Lampard has sent a public message of support to fellow TV presenter Ant McPartlin, following his decision to check into rehab. Speaking on Monday's episode of the ITV daytime show, chat show host Christine revealed that the whole crew were thinking of Britain's Got Talent star, who announced he was seeking help for an addiction to prescription painkillers and alcohol over the weekend. Christine, 38, told the audience: "We're sending our love to Ant McPartlin, his wife and family, and thinking of you."

Ant, 41, announced on Sunday that he was voluntarily seeking treatment in rehab after becoming dependant on prescription painkillers following a knee operation from two years ago. "The first step is to admit to yourself you need help," he told The Sun. "I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time."