Declan Donnelly is to host Saturday Night Takeaway on his own for the first time in the show’s history as co-host Ant McPartlin takes time away from television following his arrest for drink-driving.
On Saturday afternoon, ITV producers confirmed that Donnelly will be hosting the show alone by tweeting a photo of the script with Donnelly listed as the sole host, although Scarlett Moffatt and Stephen Mulhern will feature in their regular support roles, and the comedian Stephen Merchant will be the guest announcer.
McPartlin, 42, was charged with drink-driving after a car crash earlier this month. He has since returned to treatment for addiction and stepped down from all television commitments. He is due to appear at Wimbledon magistrates court on 4 April.
Just a little photo to prove that we don’t just wing it, there is actually a script! #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/1pTOJsEUtP
— Saturday Night Takeaway (@itvtakeaway) March 31, 2018
Hours before the live show on Saturday, the programme’s official Twitter page previewed the script, which confirmed Donnelly would be hosting alone, writing: “Just a little photo to prove that we don’t just wing it, there is actually a script!”
The tweet has been met with a flood of support from the public, sending good luck messages to Donnelly and messages of support for McPartlin while he recovers.
“Good luck dec. you can do this. i believe in you. sending all my love and support for tonight,” one fan wrote.
“Its weird to see only Dec’s name but anyways All the best Dear Dec ... Ant we will miss you ... Get well soon Dear ... Love you guys,” wrote another.
On Friday, Donnelly had announced that he was heading for rehearsals on his own, on the Ant and Dec Twitter account.
Back in studio today preparing your #SaturdayNightTakeaway for tomorrow night. Have a great Good Friday! D x
— antanddec (@antanddec) March 30, 2018
Donnelly will present next week’s final episode in Florida. Although McPartlin has stepped back from TV, he will feature in the final episode of the series as some parts of the show were pre-recorded and ITV decided they should be broadcast.
