Ant and Dec have told Saturday Night Takeaway viewers they need them 'more than ever' as the show airs without a studio audience for the first time in its history.
The new series of the hit show has been a ratings winner for ITV so far and this weekend's episode looks set to be the most viewed to date as many people are self-isolating and social distancing as coronavirus continues to spread.
After PM Boris Johnson ordered pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres across the UK to close on Friday night, many people will be spending Saturday night indoors, with the ban on mass gatherings also meaning that Takeaway will be minus its usual audience.
A statement on the matter from ITV read: "‘Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead this weekend without a studio audience. Our priority is safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved.
"The show will be made with a reduced production crew and in accordance with the latest guidance from Public Health England.
"The team are looking forward to bringing our viewers a brilliant show on Saturday evening."
Other changes this week saw Tom Jones pull out of his appearance and rehearsals taking place via Skype and hours before they go live on air, Ant and Dec posted a video urging everyone watching at home to get involved.
In the defiant video, which you can watch above, the Geordie duo said: "Today, tonight more than ever, we want you to stay in touch with us on social media. Keep your tweets and your Instagrams coming in to us and let us feel the love in the studio."
Saturday's Takeaway will see Bradley Walsh get pranked for a second time by Ant and Dec and people across the country star in the End of the Show Show alongside Olly Murs.
