Presenting dream team Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have reportedly both fallen ill and been forced to immediately pull out of their work commitments - and that includes a Britain's Got Talent special. There are also doubts about the pair turning up for the NTAS (National Television Awards) on Thursday, October 13.
Stephen Mulhern will be stepping in to host the BGT show. Stephen is a regular face alongside the duo on shows such as Saturday Night Takeaway.
News that nation's favourites had been struck down by a sudden illness was confirmed by an ITV spokesperson. Ant and Dec were due to present two-hour special Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, which was filmed in front of a live studio audience on Tuesday. The show, in which the champion would win £50,000, brings together the 10 most memorable and greatest magicians from past series, according to the Mirror.
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Judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams will be on the show, however, TV boss Simon Cowell will be missing due to filming commitments in the US, TVZone has reported. Simon will be replaced by one-half of Penn & Teller - Penn Jillette - from the world-famous magician duo.
A BGT spokesperson told the online news outlet: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover."
The announcement puts their attendance at the NTAs in doubt. For the past 20 years the pair have consistently scooped the best TV presenter award.
"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."
Speaking prior to filming about taking part in the show, Penn Jillette said: "Being a guest judge on BGT is going to be the cushiest job ever. They’ve gone all around the world to find the most astounding magicians, and I get to sit and watch and be amazed. I cannot wait!”
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