Ant McPartlin caused a stir among his fans when he hinted that he might step down from I’m A Celeb: “That’s something I don’t want to happen…”

Ant McPartlin recently opened up about the bittersweet emotions he experiences as he prepares to leave his son, Harry, to head off for his annual appearance on the popular reality TV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.


The presenter, who has long been a fan favorite alongside his co-host Declan Donnelly, revealed that while he is excited about the return of the show, he feels a sense of sadness at being away from his family, particularly his son.

In an emotional statement, Ant shared how important his time at home with his family is to him.

He emphasized how much he cherishes the moments spent with his loved ones, especially his young son, and how these moments are even more precious given the nature of his busy work schedule.


The presenter, who has been through a lot in recent years, including a very public personal struggle and his subsequent recovery, said that his family has always been his anchor. He acknowledged that balancing a demanding career with family life can be difficult, and although his time at home is limited, it remains a top priority for him.

Ant, who shares his son Harry with his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, has been open about the challenges of parenting while juggling his professional commitments. With I’m A Celeb taking him to the Australian jungle for several weeks, it means time away from his loved ones, which he admits is hard to bear. Despite the thrill of working on one of the UK’s most beloved TV programs, Ant confesses that the sadness of leaving his family behind never gets any easier.

He also spoke about the emotional toll of leaving Harry, who is now old enough to understand his dad’s absence but still relies on him for support and guidance. As a father, Ant explained how challenging it is to leave behind a child who still needs his presence, especially when the child expresses longing or misses him. For Ant, this part of his job has always been one of the hardest aspects, despite the excitement of being on I’m A Celeb and the fun he has with his fellow hosts, the celebrities, and the production team.

In recent years, Ant’s personal life has been in the spotlight, and he has always been candid about how family has played a crucial role in his recovery and return to the public eye. His return to I’m A Celebrity has marked an important chapter in his life, and while he is grateful for the opportunities it has brought him, he continues to be grounded in the love and support of his family. His remarks about the sadness of leaving Harry for work underscore the depth of his commitment to being a present and engaged father, even as he navigates the demands of his high-profile career.

Ant’s relationship with his co-host, Declan Donnelly, has also been a source of strength throughout his journey. The two have been close friends and working partners for years, with their chemistry and friendship a big part of what has made I’m A Celeb so successful. In interviews, Ant has often spoken about how Declan’s friendship has been a huge support to him, both professionally and personally. With the jungle’s grueling conditions and the long days of filming, the pair rely on each other not only to get through the work but also to provide a sense of camaraderie and emotional support. Ant reflected on how grateful he is for this friendship and how it has helped him through difficult times, including his struggles with addiction and his recovery.

While Ant is excited to return to I’m A Celeb, he made it clear that his family will always come first. The time spent with Harry is invaluable to him, and despite the many perks of his job, the hardest part remains being apart from his son. As much as Ant is ready to take on the challenges of the jungle, he is also ready to return home to be with his family and make up for the time spent away.

In his statement, Ant conveyed a message of gratitude toward his fans, acknowledging their continued support and understanding. He recognizes that his career as a television presenter has allowed him to achieve a great deal professionally, but it is the love and support of his family that he holds most dear. As he prepares for another adventure in the jungle, Ant’s thoughts are undoubtedly with his family, and he looks forward to returning to them when the work is done.

Ultimately, Ant McPartlin’s statement highlights the universal tension many parents feel when balancing work and family life, especially for those in the public eye. It’s clear that while Ant’s professional life brings its own rewards, it is his personal connections and the love of his son that bring him the most fulfillment.