talk-away
Declan Donnelly and ITV ‘in crisis talks’ on how to bring up Ant McPartlin’s absence on Saturday Night Takeaway
DECLAN Donnelly is in "crisis talks" with ITV over how best to deal with Ant McPartlin's absence on Saturday Night Takeaway.
Both sides are deciding if and how to mention Ant who is seeking treatment in rehab following his drink-drive charge.
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A source told “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.
“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.”
This weekend's edition of the show has been cancelled but the final two episodes will go ahead with Dec alone.
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Ant has reportedly given Dec his blessing to go it alone for the first time in their 30 year career together following his arrest.
In a statement released on the pair’s split official Twitter account, Dec wrote: "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. Dec x."
Dec will get support from his usual co-hosts Stephen Mulhern or Scarlett Moffatt who will appear in the show's smaller segments as usual.
The show will also air at its usual time of 7pm next Saturday night, with the final shows being screened on March 31 and April 7.
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Ant was charged with drink-driving yesterday after smashing into two cars on the wrong side of the road while over the limit.
The 42-year-old TV host had a summons delivered at his home to appear in court next month after attending a police station to be questioned further by cops over the crash.
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He spent just under 60 minutes being quizzed under caution alongside his solicitor yesterday lunchtime before being released.
Four hours later Ant was sent a “postal requisition” informing him he was charged with driving with excess alcohol and summonsing him to appear at Wimbledon magistrates’ court on April 4.
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