ITV I'm A Celebrity's Ant McPartlin speaks out on 'life-changing' medical diagnosis

Ant McPartlin has spoken out about the medical diagnosis that he says 'changed his life'. The much-loved television presenter, now seen gracing our screens on ITV's 'I'm A Celebrity' alongside his long-time pal Declan Donnelly, is usually seen with a beaming smile.

However, behind the scenes, Ant faced a significant personal discovery. After enduring numerous challenges, experts finally diagnosed him with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), an insight that he says made many aspects of his life fall into place and the world around him to click into a clearer view.

As he rang in his 49th birthday, Ant spoke candidly about how understanding his ADHD has elucidated many traits and behaviours he exhibited over the years. In a discussion with The Sun, he expressed his comfort in being open about his condition, saying, "I've got ADHD and I don't mind talking about that. I was so thoroughly examined and diagnosed, I found stuff out about me I hadn't addressed for years."

Hailing from his early beginnings on the hit show 'Byker Grove' in the 1980s, the Newcastle native reflected on past events, recognising the subtle ways ADHD had been influencing both his professional life and personal affairs without his realisation.

Ant also believes that some aspects of ADHD have actually played a beneficial role in his career. "In my job, having what they call 'popcorn thinking' is good because it means you can jump from one thing to another," he revealed, reports the Daily Star.

"Professionally, it's brilliant; personally, I'm all over the place."

Ant's diagnosis of ADHD came following a series of incidents that nearly cost him his career. In 2018, he was arrested for drink-driving, but reflecting on his past, Ant maintains that the neurological disorder is closely linked to dependency, particularly alcohol.

Consequently, Ant joins a growing list of high-profile celebrities who have openly discussed their own diagnosis, including singer Lily Allen, entertainment icon Katie Price and reigning I'm A Celeb champion Sam Thompson. ADHD is rapidly becoming one of the most recognised forms of neurodivergence in the UK, with requests for diagnoses surging in recent years.

Symptoms can range from fidgeting and impulsivity to an inability to manage stress and difficulty organising tasks, although research continues to identify other manifestations of the condition. This revelation follows Ant and Dec's candid interaction with I'm A Celeb fans, where they disclosed that some clips couldn't be shared due to their explicit content.

During an Instagram live stream after the show, Ant and Dec revealed that several jokes aimed at Danny Jones were omitted due to their risqué implications.

During Sunday's premiere episode (November 17), McFly musician Danny Jones couldn't help but scream as a snake slithered into his shorts. Presenters Ant and Dec couldn't contain their amusement, cracking several risque jokes post-trial, cheekily suggesting they'd get "banned from Instagram" for sharing them.