Ant McPartlin fought back tears during an emotional return to Britain’s Got Talent.
The TV host joined co-host Declan Donnelly on stage at the first set of auditions in London.
The 43-year-old made his return after an extended break from the spotlight, following a drink-driving incident and stint in rehab.
Video emerged from the London auditions showing Ant on the verge of tears as he stepped on stage.
Introducing his presenting partner, Dec teased the audience: “We've got a bunch of acts backstage who are eager to get out here and perform for you. The judges are back, the buzzers are back and someone else is back.
“My co-host for this series, would you please welcome Mr Ant McPartlin!”
Running out to a roaring crowd, Ant gave his co-host and pal Dec an emotional hug.
McPartlin told the audience: “Oh god, I'm really, really emotional now. I've missed you all. As for you [Dec], I’ve missed you! Thank you for a very lovely welcome.
“What a great show to come back to, I’m thrilled. I’m over the moon. Shall we move on before I cry?”
Welcoming the TV star back, judge and show boss Simon Cowell admitted the show “wasn’t the same” without him.
Cowell said: “Ant welcome back. We missed you, it wasn’t the same. I mean even though Dec was brilliant, it still wasn’t the same.
“It would be like me not being with David, I would be happy, but not happy - if that makes sense. So on behalf of all of us, welcome back, we’re family. [Turns to audience] You are family!”
On the way to the auditions, the pair beamed as they posed alongside each other, cheerfully captioning it: “The boys are back in town!”
