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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Ant and Dec take Coronavirus measures on air as Saturday Night Takeaway goes ahead

Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway went ahead this weekend, despite fears surrounding the growing cases of Coronavirus in the UK.

With confirmed cases now hitting over 1,000 and deaths reaching at least 21 - not to mention claims actual case figures could be beyond 10,000 - different advice and potential restrictions have been revealed.

Self-isolation for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or even a cold is one measure, with those not battling the illness also told to avoid large gatherings.

But Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly decided not to cancel their live audience show SNT on Saturday night, despite a huge live audience.

They joined them in the studio as usual, having earlier confirmed online their plan to go ahead as normal to cheer up Britain.

Ant and Dec hosted Saturday Night Takeaway as usual (ITV)

Already forced to cancel their live finale from Florida, United States thanks to the growing cases worldwide and a new travel ban, they decided this week's show would go ahead.

As the ITV show opened on Saturday night, hosts Ant and Dec were their usual cheery selves.

They were quick to reference the big news, even mocking Prince Charles' decision to recently greet people with 'namaste' instead of handshakes.

Ant and Dec tookke Coronavirus measures on Saturday Night Takeaway (ITV)
Ant and Dec used hand sanitizer before avoiding close contact with each other (ITV)

Ant was then seen reaching out for hand sanitizer before rubbing it in his hands.

The pair then headed down to the stage but avoided contact, instead elbowing each other and kicking each other.

They then referenced the big news, insisting health was the most important thing to take into consideration.

Dec Donelly mocked Prince Charles greeting people with 'namaste' instead of handshakes (ITV)

The audience were just as happy with things going ahead, turning up to be part of the show.

With all sorts of events cancelled, and shows over in the US filming without live audiences, it wasn't clear with the UK would follow suit.

Saturday Night Takeaway continues Saturdays at 7pm on ITV.

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