Presenters Ant and Dec have confirmed they will be quitting Saturday Night Takeaway temporarily. The iconic duo have said they are taking a break from the programme that's been on screens for almost 20 years.
The hosts will leave the show after the 2024 series has aired. It's not the first time the pair have pressed pause on Saturday Night Takeaway, walking away in 2009 and returning four years later in 2013.
Bosses have said Ant and Dec will continue their exclusive working relationship with ITV, hosting hit shows including I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Limitless Win, all of which air across ITV1 and ITVX.
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But when did SNT start, why are Ant and Dec taking a break and when will the 2024 series air? Here's everything you need to know.
Why are Ant and Dec quitting Saturday Night Takeaway?
The duo are taking a break from the show simply to "catch their breath" as the series reaches its 20-year anniversary. Ant said: "We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath."
While Dec added: "We still have a momentous 20th series to look forward to first so we will do our best to go out (for now) with a bang in 2024!"
The pair also announced the news on their joint Instagram account. Appearing on screens, Ant said: "Hi everyone, we've got some news for you. You see, next year, in 2024 it will be our 20th series of Saturday Night Takeaway. And we've got some very special look-backs planned, as well as some very exciting new items."
Dec then joined in: "And we’ve also decided that our 20th series next year will be our last one for a little while. The show takes up such a lot of our year, we just feel we need a little bit of a breather and that the show is going to take a little bit of a rest."
When did Saturday Night Takeaway start?
The show first launched in 2002 and its combination of live, high-energy, feel-good fun has seen the format achieve multiple BAFTA and National Television Awards over the years.
The series previously took a pause in 2009, returning four years later in 2013.
What can viewers expect from the 2024 series?
Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will return next year for its 20th series. The series has spawned numerous iconic segments, including Win the Ads, Undercover, Get Out Of Me Ear, The End of Show Show, and the Happiest Minute of the Week.
Ant has also promised some "very special look-backs" and "exciting new items" for the 2024 series. Typically, SNT airs in February so it won't be long into the new year until it's back on screens.
Kevin Lygo, ITV Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, said: "When you think of Saturday night television you think of Saturday Night Takeaway. Over 20 series the show has become a cultural phenomenon, and while we eagerly anticipate what Ant & Dec have up their sleeves for the 2024 series, we completely understand their desire to take a pause, take stock, and think about what the next incarnation of the show might look like." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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