PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Ant McPartlin seeks solace in pal Declan Donnelly as they go for game of football... after collecting his dog amid rumoured marriage woes with wife Lisa
Ant McPartlin was spotted going for a game of football with Declan Donnelly on Monday, amid his rumoured marriage woes with wife Lisa Armstrong.
The presenter, 42, has reportedly been living separately from the make-up artist at a rented home in London since returning from I'm A Celebrity filming in Australia.
But Ant took his mind off his alleged marital strife by going for a kick around with best friend Dec, seeking solace in his TV sidekick during the relaxed outing.
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Firm friends: Ant McPartlin was spotted going for a game of football with Declan Donnelly on Monday, amid his rumoured marriage woes with wife Lisa Armstrong
Ant kept his look casual, opting for a simple red checked flannel shirt and indigo skinny jeans, completing his look with white trainers and a padded navy jacket.
Dec, meanwhile, wrapped up in a smart grey overcoat and dark blue jeans teamed with tan leather shoes.
The pair had a kick about with a football in the street, before heading to Ant's car which was parked in front of the house.
They seemed happy to be back in each other's company, despite having seen each other just days earlier.
Separate lives: The presenter, 42, has been reportedly living separately from make-up artist Lisa at a rented home in London since returning from I'm A Celebrity filming in Australia
Close bond: But Ant took his mind off his alleged marital strife by going for a kick around with best friend Dec, seeking solace in his TV sidekick during the relaxed outing
Downcast: The Geordie presenter cut a subdued figure as he headed to his car
Is it over? Ant's marriage to Lisa Armstrong has been hit by speculation of strife in recent weeks
On Friday Ant was spotted receiving a bed delivery to his rented home - not the one he shared with his wife Lisa.
A mattress was seen being delivered to his house, while Declan appeared to have picked up his beloved dog Hurley instead of Ant going back to the marital home to fetch him himself.
Sources near the London home told The Mirror that Dec is 'acting as a go-between', while the beloved pooch is the main point of contact for the couple.
Laid-back look: Ant kept his look casual, opting for a simple red checked flannel shirt and indigo skinny jeans, completing his look with white trainers and a padded navy jacket
Low-key: Dec, meanwhile, wrapped up in a smart grey overcoat and dark blue jeans teamed with tan leather shoes
Subdued: The 42-year-old layered a navy sweater over a checked shirt during the outing
Ant has been living away from make-up artist Lisa since he returned from Oz, renting a house a few streets away.
The source continued: 'Dec has been acting as go-between and has been helping Ant a lot.
'He brought Hurley round to the flat for Ant as he settles in to his new place. Normally Ant goes to pick up the dog himself but this time he didn't.'
Ball is in his court: The pair had a kick about with a football in the street, before heading to Ant's car which was parked in front of the house
Reunited: They seemed happy to be back in each other's company, despite having seen each other just days earlier
Go-between? Dec appeared to have picked up Ant's beloved dog Hurley from his friend's marital home last week - instead of Ant going himself
MailOnline has contacted both Ant and Lisa's representatives for comment.
The pair have been living separately as Ant battled his addiction issues, with Lisa focusing on her job as head make-up artist on Strictly Come Dancing.
The sighting comes after rumours he will spend Christmas with his wife, 'even if it is their last'.
Living apart: Ant and Lisa have been living separately as Ant battled his addiction issues, with Lisa focusing on her job as head make-up artist on Strictly Come Dancing (pictured in May)
Going strong? Last month Lisa finally broke her silence on reports of marital woes with Ant following his battles with addiction, saying she was 'not estranged'
According to sources close to Ant, he is keen to spend another festive season with his wife of eleven years, even if it is their last one.
'She's said they will see each other over Christmas,' a source told Heat. 'Lisa would rather stay friendly than be resentful. She doesn't want to ruin what they had – this isn't a blame game.
'Ant wants to spend this Christmas with Lisa as her husband – even if this could be the last time,' they added.
Rumour has it: According to sources close to Ant, he is keen to spend another festive season with his wife of eleven years, even if it is their last one
Claims: 'Ant wants to spend this Christmas with Lisa as her husband – even if this could be the last time,' a source told Heat magazine
Last month Lisa finally broke her silence on reports of marital woes with Ant following his battles with addiction.
She took to Twitter to hit back at the long-running reports that the duo have separated, as she penned on the microblogging site: 'I'm not estranged thank you'.
She added that she hadn't been to Australia for 10 years so it wasn't a surprise that she hadn't joined Ant in the jungle.
Interesting: 'Lisa would rather stay friendly than be resentful. She doesn't want to ruin what they had – this isn't a blame game,' the insider added
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