Stephen Mulhern has suggested that Ant McPartlin won’t be hosting I’m A Celebrity this year.
Ant has stepped down from his ongoing TV commitments for treatment in rehab.
It’s already left Dec concluding Saturday Night Takeaway alone and he’ll return solo for the Britain’s Got Talent live shows.
Now Ant’s fellow TV star Stephen Mulhern has suggested the Geordie wont be back on telly until next year.
The Britain’s Got More Talent host told Best magazine: “Fingers crossed, Ant will get the treatment he needs and be back to his old self for next year.
“But he does need the rest and to be left alone, and given the time to recover.”
“I’m going to miss him on the live shows, but Dec will do a great job,” Stephen added.
A source insisted to the Daily Mirror that right now “no-one has any idea” how long Ant will be away from TV screens.
“He’ll be off for as long as it takes him to get better,” they said. “Work is not even being discussed with him. The only priority is him getting better.”
If Ant doesn’t return for I’m A Celeb, it’s possible he may get a new co-host, with former jungle queen Scarlett Moffat, This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Stephen himself favourites to join Dec.
“Fans remain hopeful that duo will be back together, but Bookmakers do not see that Ant will be back along his side in Australia for I’m A Celebrity and it is 5/6 that Dec is in the Jungle by himself,” said OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton last week.
“There are others who are being strongly linked – with former Jungle stars Scarlett Moffatt, Joel Dommett and Joe Swash all listed in the market – but fans don’t seem to believe anyone is likely to replace Ant.
“But if you do think that Ant and Dec might not be back, you can get 33/1 that they will be axed by ITV.”
I’m A Celebrity will air on ITV in the autumn.
