Ant and Dec have confirmed that they will be back on TV for Christmas, after many viewers were left gutted at them being missing in action from a Britain's Got Talent special; on Sunday night.
The hit ITV show made a surprise return to schedules for the festive season for The Ultimate Magician, featuring some well known contestants from BGT history, including former winner Richard Jones, the mysterious Marc Spellman and the sinister Witches, who sent a chill down spines in the most recent series.
There was a big change on the judging panel for the one off programme, with Simon Cowell absent and being replaced, rather aptly by magic icon Penn Jillette, of Penn and Teller fame. And, as well as wondering where Simon was, there was also some concern as to Ant and Dec's whereabouts.
While it might have seemed live, The Ultimate Magician special; was actually recorded back in October, with Ant and Dec left devastated by the fact they had to pull out of hosting it at the last minute, after both being struck down by Covid, with their positive tests also meaning that had to miss out on attending the National Television Awards.
Their absence from BGT, was confirmed by an ITV spokesperson, who 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."
While they weren't on screen on Sunday, it won't be long until Ant and Dec are back on ITV, with the multi-award winning Geordie stars landing a primetime slot on ITV on Christmas Day with Limitless Win, the gameshow they launched at the start of the news.
Sharing a teaser of the celebrity filled episode on Twitter, featuring the likes of Katherine Ryan, Rylan Clark and Jimmy Carr, Ant and Dec wrote: "Just one week until we’re back with a VERY special Christmas special of #LimitlessWin"
*Limitless Win's Christmas special will be on IT at 8pm on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.,
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