Declan Donnelly issued a warning to Stephen Mulhern as he took over from Ant and Dec on Britain's Got Talent.
The ITV talent show is normally presented by the Geordie presenters, but due to them both falling ill with covid when filming Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, Stephen Mulhern was forced to take the reins instead. They knew magic mad Stephen would be perfect for the role.
Ant and Dec asked personally if he could save the day and he didn't have to think twice about saying a big yes to the show, which will air next month - but it didn't come without a warning.
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Declan told Stephen not to be "too brilliant" at filling their shoes. The host said: "So I got a call saying 'Ant and Dec have asked, if you would stand in for them?'
"First of all, it's a dream come true because it's magic. It was lovely to get the chance to host because the magicians that are in the show, I grew up watching some of them and lots of them inspired me to get into magic. Kevin James is a prime example. He's just an incredible Las Vegas magician.
"Dec text me saying: 'There's no one better to take the reins from us. You'll be brilliant. Just don't be too brilliant. Thanks so much for stepping in!'
"We're really, really good mates. But there's not many presenters that would be so welcoming for that to happen, because it's a big gig.
"It's special. It's the first time they've ever done a magic special for Britain's Got Talent. But I was like a kid in a sweet shop."
A Britain's Got Talent spokesperson told RadioTimes.com that Ant and Dec were forced to sit the show out. In October, they 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."
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