Ant McPartlin has entertained UK audiences on shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Byker Grove. Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, Ant fell from grace last year and recently discussed a difficult condition and how he overcame it. Speaking to The Sun, Ant, 43, explained he had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “I was so thoroughly examined and diagnosed, I found stuff out about me I hadn’t addressed for years,” he told the publication. There’s a lot of characteristics that held me in good stead working in live television. In my job, having what they call ‘popcorn thinking’ is good because it means you can jump from one thing to another. Professionally, it’s brilliant. Personally, I’m all over the place.”
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
It is a medical condition involving the brain development and activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control.
The NHS said: “Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.
Most cases are diagnosed when children are six to 12 years old. The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.
People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.”
In The Sun’s interview, Ant addressed the strain the last year had put on his relationship with Dec, who was forced to present some Britain’s Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway episodes alone last year as Ant stepped down from his TV commitments after he was convicted of drink driving.
Ant said: “I saw Dec the day after the crash and we didn’t even speak about work. It wasn’t about that. It as about, ‘How are you?’ I said: ‘I’m not right.’ You know, mentally I wasn’t in a good place.”
Ant returned to work after a brief time away from the spotlight and took part in Britain’s Got Talent this year, saying how he was now ready to work again.
“I’m absolutely gagging to get going. I’m a bit anxious, a bit nervous, but ultimately a feeling of excitement and happiness. It’s been a long time.
“i want to be back doing what we do. I’m lucky that I love my job. I just want to get back to that.”
ADHD was first recognised as a valid condition in the UK in 2000, however, was not officially recognised as an adult condition until 2008.
The symptoms of the condition include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, anxiety, and sleep problems. It’s estimated that around a third of children are diagnosed, while for adults it is about seven to eight per cent.
