Ant McPartlin's presenting partner Declan Donnelly, ITV bosses and the star's wife are among those sending well wishes to him as he enters rehab to aid his battle with depression, alcohol and substance abuse.

The Britain's Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-host is expected to remain in a facility for up to two months.

An ITV spokesman said: "We are sending Ant our very best wishes for a speedy recovery."

McPartlin's wife, make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, said she is relieved her TV star husband is getting support.

"Completely overwhelmed by all your love and support it means so much. I'm relieved he's receiving the help he needs, we just need him better." she tweeted.

In a post on Twitter, Donnelly also thanked fans for their support: "Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated."

Speaking to The Sun, McPartlin admitted that he feels like he has "let a lot of people down" and he apologised for his actions.

"The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry."

He explained how a knee injury led him to become addicted to prescription pain medication.

The star, who started off his career in British television series Byker Grove, thanked his family for their support and explained his decision to go public with his news.

McPartlin - "I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry"

"I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time.

"I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery."

BFFs: Ant and Dec have know each other since they were teens

Known as 'The Dream Team', Ant and Dec have carved out a successful television career since meeting on the set of Byker Grove at just 13 years of age.

They have since presented I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Britain's Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway and have won an impressive 31 National Television Awards in the UK.

Several stars have commended McPartlin for speaking out about his personal issues.