Ant McPartlin Sparks Major Concern as He Battles Severe Hoarse Voice and Exhaustion Live on I’m A Celebrity

On December 1, 2025, beloved TV presenter Ant McPartlin left millions of viewers seriously worried when he appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! with a voice so hoarse he could barely speak, and a clearly exhausted expression on his face during the live broadcast from Australia.

The 50-year-old Geordie star, who hosts the hit ITV show alongside his lifelong best friend Declan Donnelly, struggled through his opening links with a raspy, almost inaudible voice. At times he had to pause and clear his throat, apologising to the audience as he fought to get the words out.

In one of the most talked-about moments of the episode, Dec noticed Ant’s discomfort and stepped in with his trademark cheeky humour. Gently slapping Ant on the back, he quipped: “Cough it up, son!” Ant managed a weak laugh and playfully pretended to shove Dec over the railing, but the light-hearted banter couldn’t hide how unwell he looked. His eyes were tired, his posture slumped, and his usual energetic delivery was nowhere to be seen.

Viewers watching live immediately took to social media in droves, flooding X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook with messages of concern. One fan tweeted: “Ant sounds absolutely terrible – poor lad has lost his voice completely. Hope he’s okay! #ImACeleb” Another wrote: “Ant looks so drained and exhausted tonight. ITV need to give him a break!” A third added: “That cough joke from Dec was funny but Ant really doesn’t sound well at all. Get well soon, mate.”

The incident came just days after Alison Hammond from the spin-off show I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked lost her voice entirely due to a sore throat bug sweeping through the camp. Ant became the third high-profile casualty of the illness, with many speculating that the intense schedule, late nights and harsh Australian heat were taking their toll.

Despite his obvious struggle, Ant powered through the episode like the professional he is. He handed over some of the recaps and introductions to Dec, saying in a croaky whisper: “Since I’ve got a sore throat, Dec, would you mind taking this one?” Dec obliged without hesitation, showing the unbreakable bond between the pair who have been working together for over 30 years.

The following night, Ant addressed the issue head-on with his usual self-deprecating humour. Opening the show, he joked: “Good evening and welcome to Australia – much like my voice, Eddie Kadi is gone.” Dec asked if he was feeling any better, to which Ant replied: “A little bit, thank you for your sympathy – it’s very kind.” The exchange drew laughs from the studio audience, but fans remained worried, with many calling for him to rest.

This isn’t the first time Ant has faced health challenges in the public eye. After a well-documented battle with addiction and personal struggles in recent years, he has been open about the importance of looking after himself. However, the demands of hosting one of Britain’s biggest reality shows – often involving long hours and high energy – have clearly pushed him to the limit this series.

Fans have praised the duo’s chemistry and resilience, with one viewer posting: “Dec looking after Ant like the brother he is – that’s true friendship. Get well soon, Ant!” Another said: “They always have each other’s backs. Seeing Dec step in tonight was lovely.”

As the series continues in the jungle, viewers are sending waves of get-well messages across social media. Many are hoping Ant makes a quick recovery so he can return to his usual vibrant self for the remaining episodes.

Whether it’s a simple viral bug or the cumulative strain of the job, one thing is clear: Ant McPartlin’s dedication to his work has won him even more love from fans who just want to see him healthy and happy again.