Ant McPartlin ‘set to RETURN to Saturday Night Takeaway’ alongside Declan Donnelly after two years away
Ant McPartlin is reportedly set to return to his presenting role on Saturday Night Takeaway after a two-year absence.
The award-winning entertainment show was taken off air last year as Ant took a step back from TV commitments in the wake of his drink driving conviction in March 2018.
It’s now been claimed the TV star, 43, re-join his longtime co-star Declan Donnelly, also 43, at the helm when the ITV show returns in 2020.
Comeback: Ant McPartlin is reportedly set to return to his presenting role on Saturday Night Takeaway after a two-year absence.
Time away: The award-winning entertainment show was taken off air last year as Ant took a step back from TV commitments in the wake of his drink driving conviction in March 2018 (pictured January 2018)
After taking time out in rehab and getting himself back on track, it’s reported that Ant is keen to return to show.
A source revealed to The Mirror: ‘There’s a real buzz around the show.
‘It promises to be bigger and better than ever. As much as Dec did a great job on his own, it just wasn’t the same without Ant.’
MailOnline have contacted representatives for Ant and Saturday Night Takeaway for comment.
Last year Dec was widely praised after he was forced to present the final two installments of the series alone while Ant recovered in rehab – the first time in the show’s 16-year history.
Taking a break: Show bosses made the decision to rest the show in 2019 while he recovered from his alcohol and prescription pills addiction (pictured April 2018)
Speaking at the time of his TV break, Ant said: ‘My recovery is going very well and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off.
‘I’d like to thank both Dec and ITV for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to work in the new year.’
Geordie duo: Saturday Night Takeaway, which will begin filming early next year, will return for a brand new series, with both Ant and Dec
Show bosses made the decision to rest the show in 2019 while he recovered from his alcohol and prescription pills addiction.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Takeaway airs in February, but many viewers may not realise that the filming for the sketches and the preparation begins six months earlier which is too soon for Ant.
‘Sadly that means they have had to tell the production team today that they’re going to have to push the next run back until the following year.
‘It’s a show they’re hugely passionate about personally and they’re extremely close to the team involved too but everyone understands that this is a decision which hasn’t been taken lightly and are supportive. They all wish him the very best.’
New girl: Ant’s year away from TV meant he also skipped last year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, with This Morning host Holly Willoughby stepping into his shoes
Back again: the star is also set to be heading down under once more, with the Geordie duo having already filmed a segment for the series, called called Two Men and a Boat
However, Saturday Night Takeaway, which will begin filming early next year, will return for a brand new series, with both Ant and Dec
Ant’s year away from TV meant he also skipped last year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, with This Morning host Holly Willoughby stepping into his shoes.
And the star is also set to be heading down under once more, with the Geordie duo having already filmed a segment for the series, called called Two Men and a Boat.
The mini series will be a light-hearted nod to Ant’s return, with scenes showing the pair attempting to sail to Australia, but encountering stormy weather and obstacles along the way.
Ant has already made a grand albeit emotional TV comeback this year, having rejoined Dec to front the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Welcome back: Ant has already made a grand albeit emotional TV comeback this year, having rejoined Dec to front the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent
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