Ant and Dec have only worked together as a team during their 20 years working in the entertainment industry, but following the former’s crash in West London that saw a three car pile-up and one little girl of three taken to hospital as a precaution, everything has changed for the stars.
Ant has returned for treatment following a previous stint in rehab for addiction to prescription medication and was charged with drink driving but is set to return for his court date at the Wimbledon magistrates court on April 4.
In the meantime, Dec made an announcement on the pair’s official social media accounts that he would be presenting the hugely popular show Saturday Night Takeaway alone for the final two episodes.
Yet since the decision was made, sources have claimed that Dec and ITV have been in discussions on how to approach Ant’s absence with the show and viewers at home on the show.
“Takeaway is all about fun and laughter so they can’t dwell on bad news, but it will be odd if they don’t reference Ant and his issues,” a source from The Mirror revealed.
The insider went on to say that some executives are keen on addressing the “elephant in the room” as soon as possible so it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the show.
They carried on: “Dec will want to pay tribute to his pal in some way, but getting the balance right is crucial.
“Fans will love to hear how Ant is getting on as well.”
Since the incident on Sunday, Dec has been pictured out and about his daily life, and has also been seen visiting his close friend before he sought treatment once again.
During his only official statement, Dec appeared to share his struggle with the situation by posting: “Whilst I never thought I’d be in this position, after much discussion and careful consideration we’ve decided that the remaining two shows of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead.
“We made a promise to take hundreds of deserving winners to Florida to watch the series finale, and we will honour that. Everyone at ITV and the Takeaway team feels we owe it to the audience to complete the series.”
Fans of the pair have been quick to share their support since the events, as well as colleagues in the industry.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: “Hate to see Ant McPartlin like this.
“He’s a great guy (genuinely, a delight to work with in an industry full of…. less delightful people) who’s obviously going through a lot of inner turmoil.
“Just hope he now gets the proper time & help he needs to sort himself out.”
Dec’s first show alone will take place as normal in the ITV studios while the second will be held at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida a week later.
