Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly have left fans wondering what they're going to do as they confirmed that they were sensationally ending Saturday Night Takeaway. The popular duo confirmed they'll be taking a break from their hit ITV show after the 2024 series.
In a video posted to social media on Thursday (May 18), Ant and Dec said reaching the "milestone" of 20 series seemed like the "perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath".
In the clip, which showed the pair looking dapper in suits, Ant said; "We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath." Dec went on: "We still have a momentous 20th series to look forward to first so we will do our best to go out (for now) with a bang in 2024."
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The pair also promised “some very special look-backs” and “exciting new items” for the 20th series. "Next year in 2024 it will be the 20th series of Saturday Night Takeaway and we’ve got some very special look-backs planned, as well as some very exciting new items," Ant said, in a short video posted to Instagram.
Dec added: "And we’ve also decided that our 20th series next year will be the last one for a little while. The show takes off such a lot of our year, we just feel we need a little bit of a breather, and that the show is going to take a little bit of a rest." They did, however, end the video with Ant saying: "But before that thought, we’ve got the 20 series to plan!"
Saturday Night Takeaway has received multiple Bafta and National Television Awards (NTA), including presenting accolades for McPartlin and Donnelly, since its launch in 2002. The series previously took a pause in 2009, returning four years later in 2013.
The show consists of a selection comical games, participation from studio audience members or unsuspecting members of the public, with a musical or dance performance to finish. It has spawned numerous well-known segments, including Win the Ads, Undercover, Get Out Of Me Ear, The End of Show Show and the Happiest Minute of the Week.
Despite the news, Ant and Dec will continue their exclusive working relationship with ITV, as hosts of popular shows including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win.
Fans were quick to respond to the news, saying they were 'gutted' at the decision. But some quickly thought about another job they could do instead amid reports of a 'rift' between This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
"Are you taking over on This Morning," one fan asked. Another said: "They should replace Holly & Phil on this morning @antanddec." A third added: "It's taking a break because they're replacing Philip and Holly!"
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