'His life is tormented’: Piers Morgan says Ant McPartlin had ‘changed’ in run-up to ‘drink-driving' car crash

Piers Morgan has said that Ant McPartlin has "changed" following his arrest under suspicion of ‘drink-driving’.

Discussing Sunday's crash and McPartlin's decision to return to rehab on Good Morning Britain, Morgan expressed concern for his friend.

He told co-host Susanna Reid and radio host Scott Mills: “He’s definitely changed, no question.”

“Lisa [Armstrong, Ant’s ex-wife] does my make up on Life Stories, she’s a delightful person.

He added: “I never would have thought he’d [get divorced] for example, let alone this. This Ant McPartlin is not the guy I know. His life is faltering and tormented for some reason."

“I’d like to see him off TV for a long time as he came back too soon [after rehab].

"I feel for Dec, by default, his career reaches the buffer as they’re a double act.”

He went on to wonder what McPartlin's co-host Declan Donnelly would do next, describing him as "collateral damage".

"If you're Dec what do you do? Do you agree to do it on your own? Do you do it with someone else?

"It's incredibly difficult moment for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't do it.

"In the television world this is an earthquake."

He continued: "It’s Dec I feel sorry for more than Ant because Ant is in control of his own behaviour and is making bad choices.

"Dec is the collateral damage. Dec has done nothing wrong yet his show is off air Saturday."

McPartlin was arrested on suspicion of ‘drink-driving’ on Sunday night after reportedly crashing into another car.

On Monday, ITV confirmed that Saturday Night Takeaway, which the presenter fronts with Donnelly, would not be going ahead this weekend.

A spokesperson said in a statement: “ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec’s team not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend," the statement read.

“We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series (March 31 and April 7) which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment.

“We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs."

While a representative for McPartlin revealed that he had “asked for time off the foreseeable future”.

"Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments,” a spokesperson said.

“He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future.

“As such ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ will not be going ahead this Saturday."

Good Morning Britain continues weekdays at 6am on ITV.