Ant McPartlin is looking "healthier and brighter" since leaving rehab.
The ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ star checked himself back in to the facility after he was found guilty of drink-driving in court earlier this month but he looked like a "different person" as he walked his black labrador Hurley with a female pal.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "He now looks brighter. It was great to see him looking so well, and much more upbeat. In pictures taken after his accident Ant looked haunted. He hadn’t shaved and looked like he hadn’t slept much. But the Ant we saw this week could have been a different person. He looked healthier, brighter and had a big smile on his face."
Ant was fined £86,000 and banned from getting behind the wheel for 20 months after he admitted to drink-driving at Wimbledon Magistrates Court earlier this month. However, his driving ban could be reduced to 15 months, provided he completes a referral programme by the middle of May next year.
The TV presenter admitted, via a letter read out in court, that he was "ashamed and mortified" following the incident.
The statement said: "I appreciate people in the public eye should provide a positive example. I know the consequences [of the crash] could have been much worse."
And making a statement outside court, Ant said he was "disappointed" in himself.
He shared "I accept full culpability for this and wish to apologise to all concerned. I’m disappointed that I’ve let myself and so many others down on this occasion."
He concluded by saying he was seeking help to "address the problems that he has in order to overcome them – and ensure they never happen again".
Ant’s most recent rehab stay came less than a year after he sought treatment for his addiction to prescription pills and alcohol.
Ant McPartlin looking brighter following rehab stay
