Health: As Ant McPartlin checks into rehab, how to help a loved one with similar problems

Along with his Geordie best friend and co-presenter Declan Donnelly, Ant McPartlin always seems the picture of happiness and success, so it's come as a surprise to many that he's seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction.

Ant's problems began two years ago when he had surgery on his knee. He began taking the prescription painkiller Tramadol to ease the pain and, The Sun on Sunday reports, depression and anxiety over not being able to have children with wife Lisa, led him to drink and substance abuse.

As he checked into rehab, the 41-year-old I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! host told the paper: "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'm truly sorry."

His thoughts were with wife Lisa, as he said: "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." As the news broke, Lisa took to Twitter to thank everyone for their "love and support" for her husband, adding: "We just need him better".

When your partner is struggling to overcome their demons, what can you do to help and support them? Here's some advice from experts...

1. Understand it's not your fault

"You may be feeling guilty and confused; it is vital to understand it's not your fault," says Tim Leighton, director of Professional Education and Research at Action on Addiction.

2. And it's not their fault either

"Despite consequences that will have made you angry and/or desperately upset, blaming either yourself or your loved one is not productive: it's best to see addiction as a no-fault illness," adds Leighton.

"Addiction affects all kinds of people from all walks of life, and people don't become addicted because they are stupid or bad."

3. Help yourself so you can help them

"Finding help for yourself is often the best thing that you can do for your family. It's important to make sure you're getting the help, support and advice that you need to cope as best you can," says a spokesperson from national charity Adfam.

"There are support services dedicated to helping the families of drug or alcohol users, and you can meet other family members going through similar experiences."

4. You can help your partner - but only if they want it

"You may also want to try and help your loved one get treatment or support to stop using drugs or alcohol," says Adfam. "Remember that whilst you can try and help someone, stopping can be a very difficult process and ultimately, someone will only seek treatment or help if they want it.

"If your loved one wants treatment, there are specialist drug and alcohol services all over the UK, most of which are funded by local authorities or the NHS, and free to access. Some services will need your loved one to be referred by their GP, for others they will be able to simply refer themselves."

5. Remember: you're not alone

"Millions of people have struggled with addiction in a loved one, and there are solutions," says Leighton. "Meeting and sharing experiences and support with other people in your position is one of the most practically useful and emotionally healing things you can do."

6. Love will see you through

"Love can survive addiction," adds Leighton.