Ant & Dec reveal real reason they’ve been forced to pull out of Britain’s Got Talent and NTAs
ANT and Dec have been forced to pull out of a Britain's Got Talent special and the National Television Awards with Covid.
The duo have put all their work commitments on hold and are resting up at home.
A BGT spokesperson said: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover.
"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."
And a representative for the pairing said: "After both feeling unwell Ant and Dec have tested for Covid and unfortunately have both tested positive.
"The duo will be postponing work commitments whilst they recover."
The two-hour long show, which features legendary trickster Penn Jillette as a guest judge, will see 10 of the world's biggest names in magic compete for a £50,000 prize fund.
US site has reported Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams will be behind the judging panel, with Penn replacing Simon Cowell who is busy with other filming commitments.
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Ant and Dec will be gutted to miss the NTA's - a happy hunting ground for the pair for two decades with 20 Best Presenter wins to their names.
The duo recently returned from South Africa where they filmed an I'm A Celebrity special.
During their stay they celebrated Dec's 47th birthday.
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Marking the presenter's big day, the crew wore party hats and surprised Dec with confetti as he got out of his car.
Ant asked his partner in crime: "How does it feel having your birthday on I'm A Celebrity?"
"That's weird isn't it?!," Dec replied.
They also filmed Dec opening his presents.
Ant treated him to packets of Biltong - dried meat that is very popular in South Africa.
They captioned the post: "Happy Birthday Dec! 🥳
"We don't usually get the chance to celebrate Dec's birthday whilst at #ImACeleb Hopefully he won’t bite off more than he can chew... 🤣🎁 #ItsAllGoneBiltong."
The presenters shared a video from Kruger National Park, where the Aussie version of I'm A Celeb is shot.
Dec told followers: "We've got news. It's probably the worst kept secret in television.
"But we can confirm we're doing a very special series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa. Look at this joint."
Ant joked: "Nobody told me" adding: "We're here aren't we?"
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Dec said: "It's going to be your favourite celebrities from the last 20 years who are going back in to do it one more time in South Africa."
Ant asked: "But are we going to Australia, Declan?"
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He replied: "Yes we are. This year we are going back. Normal Australia 2022 and South Africa 2023."
The line-up is partly shrouded in secrecy although Amir Khan, Paul Burrell and Helen Flanagan are all known to be involved.
