Ant and Dec have admitted that doing Saturday Night Takeaway is 'tougher than normal' after a number of slip ups this week, as fans thanked them for making the show happen at all in testing times.
After last year's show ended in lockdown, the new series got going on February 20 with the Geordie duo presenting the show from their studio Television Centre to a massive virtual audience of over 300 living rooms across the country.
Following huge ratings of 7.3 million for episode 1, Ant and Dec were back in Takeaway action on Saturday when they were joined by guest announcer Gordon Ramsay.
But before the first ad break, chef Gordon had viewers talking for all the wrong reasons, firstly for swearing live on air and then insulting a woman's teeth during the same game of Read My Lips.
Ant apologised for Gordon's bad language as he looked on bemused, before viewers at home branded him rude for a comment about the caller's teeth.
There was another hiccup later on in the show when viewers claimed a sound delay 'robbed' a fan of their £500 prize in the Singalong game.
And, despite the fact she got the melody completely wrong, Ant and Dec later told her they'd "reviewed the footage" and she did indeed give the missing word required so would be getting the money.
Taking to Twitter after credits rolled, Dec tweeted: "Thanks for all your lovely messages tonight. It is tougher than normal to make but we’re relishing the challenge and working hard to bring you your #Takeaway. We’re glad you’re enjoying it. See you next Saturday."
Ant then added: "Oh man, what a show! Thanks for all your love for the show tonight. It was certainly LIVE!!"
The presenting pair were flooded with responses from fans who are hugely grateful that the show is even still happening, with one telling Dec: "Thanks for all your efforts Dec. Extend our gratitude to Ant aswell and the team at takeaway. You really are a blessing in these times," and another tweeting: "I know it was a bit tough at times tonight, but you were absolutely brilliant throughout!
"The effort behind the scenes to make this show run as smoothly as it does must be Herculean!
"Thank you for taking on the challenge and cheering our lives - you're both rays of sunshine!"
