Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Dominique Hines

Ant and Dec pull out Britain’s Got Talent after ‘sudden’ illness

Ant McPartlin (left) with Declan Donnelly have pulled out of work commitments due to mystery illness

(Picture: PA Wire)

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have pulled out of work engagements after falling ill.

The pair, who are gearing up to host another series of I’m A Celebrity, reportedly have a ‘sudden’ illness, which has forced them to scrap an appearance on a Britain’s Got Talent special.

They will be replaced on BGT by former Britain’s Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern, an ITV spokesperson said.

There is also now a question mark over whether they will attend tomorrow’s National Television Awards.

McPartlin (left) and Donnelly, pictured after winning the TV Presenter award for the 20th consecutive time at the National Television Awards 2021, may not be attending Thursday’s ceremony (PA)

The pair have won the Best TV Presenter Award for the past 20 years.

The duo were set to present a two-hour special, Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, which would involve magicians from past series competing for the title of ultimate champion and £50,000.

Stephen Mulhern will be stepping in as Ant & Dec’s replacement on the Britain’s Got Talent special (PA)

An ITV spokesperson said: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover.

"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."

Simon Cowell (second left) will not be joining fellow judges (left to right) David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the upcoming BGT special (PA)

Judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams will make a return, but Simon Cowell will not as he has filming commitments in the US.

He will be replaced by world-famous magician Penn Jillette, one-half of the Penn & Teller team.

The BGT special was filmed in front of a live studio audience on Tuesday and will involve 10 acts.

It is not yet known when the show will be broadcast.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.