I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Here’s Ant McPartlin sadly won’t be returning to host with his best friend Declan Donnelly, while he continues his recovery from prescription painkiller and alcohol addiction. But who could be set to replace him?
The presenting duo confirmed in a statement that Ant will “continue to take a break from all television presenting roles until 2019”, which means no new series of Saturday Night Takeaway and Dec set to present I’m a Celeb on his own.
Digital Spy spoke to Joel Dommett ahead of the news that Ant will be missing this series, to ask if the Extra Camp host would be up for stepping in to assist with the main show.
The comedian was cagey about the prospect of filling such big shoes but didn’t say no either. He told Digital Spy: “I don’t know man, I don’t know what their plans are, I have absolutely no idea.”
We’d love the idea of the cheeky stand-up and former contestant stepping in for hosting duties, but who else could potentially fill the role?
Joel’s fellow Extra Camp host, Scarlett Moffatt, currently tops the odds, especially following her stint working on Saturday Night Takeaway alongside Dec and Stephen Mulhern.
Speaking about the absence of his friend, Dec said: “Whilst I am obviously sad at the thought of being without my best friend in Australia this year, I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately and I am fully supportive of his decision. I’m looking forward to us both being reunited on screen in 2019.”
Meanwhile, Ant explained: “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.”
ITV Director of Television Kevin Lygo explained: “ITV is completely supportive of Ant taking as much time as he needs in his recovery and of this mutual decision to rest Takeaway in 2019. Ant is clearly making good progress and we wish him all the very best and look forward to him returning to ITV next year. An announcement on I’m a Celebrity plans will be made in due course.”
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here is due to air later this year on ITV.
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