SATURDAY Night Takeaway viewers think they’ve uncovered the real reason Ant and Dec have quit the hugely successful show.
Fans of the pair were left stunned this evening after we revealed the show will come to an end after its 20th series next year.
Ant and Dec have quit Saturday Night Takeaway
The pair confirmed the shock news in an Instagram video
Some fans think the duo will replace Holly and Phil on This Morning
Hosts Ant and Dec then confirmed the news in a short Instagram video in which they reassured fans they would sign off with a bang.
However, some viewers couldn’t ignore the coincidental timing of their exit coming amid the much publicised feud between ITV stablemates and This Morning co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
It’s led to claims the surprise decision could be because the Geordie pair are about to land a new gig on the flagship daytime show.
One person said: “It’s taking a break because they’re replacing Philip and Holly!”
Another posted: “They’re taking over from Phil and Holly on This Morning so won’t have time to make Takeaway anymore.”
A third speculated: “This morning???”
Another said: “Are you taking over on This Morning.”
Holly and Phillip are barely speaking behind the scenes of This Morning despite maintaining a smiley relationship in front of the cameras.
Since we revealed their tense relationship last week, pressure has mounted on Phillip, with viewers and even some unnamed stars demanding he leave the post he’s held for over two decades.
But rather than go quietly following a string of recent scandals including Queuegate, in which he and Holly were accused of jumping the queue to see the Queen lying in state, and his brother Timothy’s child sex abuse conviction, Phillip has drafted in a lawyer and crisis PR team to save his reputation and job.
Given Ant and Dec have other huge shows in the works – such as I’m A Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win, and are the kings of Saturday night TV – it is very unlikely they’d suddenly make the switch to mid-mornings.
The duo want to “rest” multi-Bafta-winning show Takeaway and have promised to work on new formats.
Tonight Ant, 47, 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.”
Dec, 47, 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 duo released a video on Instagram confirming the news.
Dressed smartly in suits to deliver the message, the pair said: “The show takes up such a lot of our year. We just feel we need a little bit of a breather.”
They signed off by exclaiming: “Let’s get to work.”
Fans were devastated, with one writing: “Noooooooo this show is my sat night! Don’t rest it too long.”
Another said: “SNT is my favourite show! What will I do with my Saturdays nights after 2024.”
A third posted: “What I am devastated close to flipping tears happiest show on tv as well but u deserve a rest.”
A fourth said: “Awww you deserve a break from it but please don’t let it be too long! Xxx.”
The popular Geordie duo will film a full-length series, as normal, in 2024 before stepping back to pursue other projects.
Their £30million golden handcuffs deal with ITV will continue until at least 2025, and they will continue to host I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win, all of which air across ITV1 and ITVX.
A source added: “Ant and Dec have been at the forefront of British TV for the past 25 years, and remain absolutely at the top of their game.
“But they do not take their success – and the endless NTA awards – for granted, and know that they can never get complacent.
“They constantly want to innovate and produce amazing, fresh content that appeals to all demographics and every generation.
“Neither Ant or Dec would ever want Takeaway to look tired and have seen other shows, like The X Factor, became slightly stale and look dated.
“Much like when James Corden quit The Late, Late Show, they want to go out on a high, with the public still wanting more.
“And this is exactly what they’ve done. But it really is the end of an era – and there will be a gaping void in ITV’s Saturday night schedule come 2025.”
The smash series has spawned several iconic segments including Win the Ads, Undercover (featuring a raft of household names), Get Out Of Me Ear, The End of Show Show and the Happiest Minute of the Week.
The most recent series launched in February with ITV1’s biggest overnight audience of the year – 6.4 million viewers – and the biggest entertainment audience across any channel.
The series, which has featured celebs including Victoria Beckham, Simon Cowell, Kevin Costner, Daniel Radcliffe, Robbie Williams, Michael Buble and Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, and previously took a pause in 2009. The rejigged show returned four years later in 2013.
And it has managed to stand the test of time despite some controversies along the way.
Most notably, it was found guilty of fraudulent activity in 2007 due to the way it selected finalists for its competitions following an external investigation.
The hosts publicly apologised and the show remunerated competition entrants and donated profits from the next series to charity. The financial cost was reported to be an eye watering £18 million.
The double act have dominated Saturday night telly for two decades
The pair have whisked hundreds away on holiday over the years
