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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Louise Randell

Ant McPartlin reveals he's finally reunited with estranged dad after 32 years

Ant McPartlin has revealed he's finally reunited with his estranged dad 32 years after he walked out on the family.

The telly star Ant McPartlin, 43, didn't speak to his father Ray for a "very long time" after he split from Ant's mum Christine Woodhall in 1985.

However, Ant has now reconnected with his dad despite spending so much time apart.

The Britain's Got Talent host revealed the reunion happened during his time off work last year in the aftermath of his drink-driving arrest.

In an interview with the Guardian Weekend , Ant said: "My dad and I didn’t speak for a long time, but we’re talking again now, which is great."

When asked what his dad was like he added: “He’s good, he’s funny. I’m slowly getting to know him again.

"He’s a proud man, a worker, a plumber. I’m thrilled that I’m back in touch.”

Ray, 64, worked as a publican while married to Ant's mum.

Ant McPartlin has finally reunited with his estranged dad 32 years after he walked out on the family (Getty)
Ant's dad Ray, 64, lives in Tyneside with his partner (North News & Pictures Ltd nort)

Ant McPartlin constantly relives his drink drive crash and is plagued with nightmares

He now lives in a two-bedroom housing association flat in Tyneside with his long-term partner Sheila Taylor.

After Ray left the family in the 1980s, Ant helped care for his two younger sisters Sahra and Emma while Christine worked three jobs to support her kids.

In the interview, Ant also revealed he's still plagued with nightmares of his drink-drive crash and constantly relives the incident.

The TV host was fined a record £86,000 and banned from driving for 20 months following the shocking accident which happened last year.

Ant said that he recognises how serious the horror smash could have been and is working on becoming a better person every day.

Declan Donnelly revealed he almost dumped Ant after his drink-driving arrest last year (Getty Images)

Ant McPartlin opens up about rehab stints and struggle to 'regain his identity'

The TV host was found to be twice over the legal limit when he smashed into two cars - that contained children as passengers - in West London last year.

He said: "I’ve constantly relived the incident. I know how serious that could have been and I am doing things on a daily basis to be a better man.”

The children who were caught in the car screamed that they thought they were going to die and Ant added: "I thank God every night that nobody was seriously hurt.

"I constantly think about it.”

Dec Donnelly also admitted in the same interview that he thought his best friend's actions were 'indefensible' and even weighed up the idea of splitting with Ant after more than 30 years of working together.

Dec said that he ultimately decided to stick by Ant to see him return to his "healthy and happy self."

Just days after his arrest last March Ant McPartlin opens up about rehab stints and struggle to 'regain his identity' to receive treatment for alcohol, addiction and mental health issues.

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