I'm A Celebrity presenter Ant McPartlin has revealed he was only formally diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of 43, after living with the condition since childhood without knowing it.
Now 50, the ITV star, known for fronting Britain's Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway, has spoken openly about his mental health and the steps he took to receive a formal diagnosis. At the time of his diagnosis, he said: "I've got ADHD. I don't mind talking about that. I was so thoroughly examined and diagnosed, I found stuff out about me I hadn't addressed for years."
What Ant McPartlin said about his diagnosis
Ant, who is set to return to screens as I'm A Celebrity makes its comeback on ITV from November 16, has acknowledged that ADHD brings its own challenges in both his professional and personal life.
He said: "In my job, having what they call 'popcorn thinking' is good because it means you can jump from one thing to another. Professionally it's brilliant. Personally I'm all over the place."
Understanding ADHD in adults
ADHD does not suddenly appear or develop for the first time in adulthood. By definition, it is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it is deeply rooted in early brain development and must be present during childhood, typically before the age of 12.
Many adults receive a diagnosis only later in life, often because their symptoms were overlooked, masked, or misidentified in their younger years. According to the NHS, symptoms include difficulty paying attention, elevated energy levels, and difficulty controlling impulses.
Key symptoms to look out for
Signs of inattentiveness include being easily distracted or forgetful, struggling to organise time, finding it difficult to follow instructions or complete tasks, and frequently misplacing items such as a wallet, mobile or keys.
Hyperactivity and impulsiveness can show as possessing abundant energy, being extremely talkative or interrupting conversations. People with ADHD may also make hasty decisions without considering the potential consequences.
The NHS adds that ADHD is believed to be diagnosed less frequently in women than men, possibly because women with the condition more commonly experience inattentive symptoms, which can be harder to identify than hyperactive ones. If ADHD symptoms are impacting studies, work or relationships, the advice is to arrange an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available.
