It is unclear whether the 42-year-old presenter's pal Declan Donnelly will host from the jungle alone or with guests.
Their Saturday Night Takeaway has also been shelved until 2020, but Ant could be back by Dec’s side for BGT in April next year though insiders say the show's bosses will not put any pressure on him to return until he is fully ready.
Ant, 42, has been in rehab since March after an alcohol addiction relapse saw him convicted of drink-driving.
He 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.”
Pal Dec, also 42, backed the move, saying: “I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately and I am fully supportive of his decision.”
BGT is set to return for April 2019 and Ant has confirmed he will present it
As a result, the duo and ITV have agreed to keep Saturday Night Takeaway off air until 2020.
A source said: “Takeaway airs in February, but many viewers may not realise that the filming for the sketches and preparation begins six months earlier, which is too soon for Ant.”
Ant first sought rehab in June 2017 after becoming hooked on prescription drugs and booze after a botched knee operation two years earlier.
The star told The Sun his addiction could have killed him.
He returned to our screens in November, but left Saturday Night Takeaway mid-series in March after his drink-drive arrest.
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