Ant and Dec said they had begun to feel unwell a few days ago
(Picture: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)Ant and Dec have been forced to pull out of the National Television Awards after testing positive for Covid-19.
Ant and Dec revealed they have both tested positive for Covid, forcing them to pull out of the NTAs.
The popular presenting duo are up for best TV presenter at this year’s ceremony, which takes place on Thursday October 13 at the Wembley Arena in London.
They have won the coveted gong 20 years in a row, but this time face stiff competition from fellow nominees Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh and Graham Norton.
Confirming they have been struck down by the virus, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly took to social media to share pictures of their positive test results.
“After feeling unwell a few days ago we both tested and we’re positive for Covid...,” they wrote on Instagram Stories.
Adding: “We’re resting up at home and are so sorry we can’t be at the @officialntas... Best of luck everyone... and get well soon to anyone else in the same boat.”
Their sickness meant that they also had to pull out of presenting Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.
Stephen Mulhern instead stepped in to host the one-off BGT spin-off spectacular, in which Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return as judges.
The two-hour special will bring together the world’s most memorable and greatest magicians from past series to compete and become the ultimate champion and win £50,000.
A BGT spokesperson confirmed that Ant and Dec weren’t able to film the show, saying: “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.”
