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ANT & DREAD
Saturday Night Takeaway bosses panicking over how Declan Donnelly should address Ant McPartlin’s drink-driving arrest as he presents solo
SATURDAY Night Takeaway bosses are in a panic over how to address Ant McPartlin’s absence from Saturday’s show.
Show chiefs and host Declan Donnelly, 42, have been locked in meetings for the past few days.
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A final decision will be made at a production summit on Saturday morning.
Chiefs finalising the script will choose from three options:
- DEC will apologise for Ant’s no-show with a nod to his drink-driving arrest two weeks earlier;
- SAY nothing about the incident in favour of a goodwill message to his long-time mate in rehab;
- NO mention of Ant at all — but some reference to the fact Dec is holding the fort alone.
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A TV source said: “Explaining Ant’s absence has been the hardest part of planning.
“The bosses are torn in regards to how they can hit the right tone.
“They want to be respectful to people involved in Ant’s car accident, while not bringing down the mood of the show.
“Takeaway is all about having fun and they fear a sombre start may seriously effect the quality of the output.”
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The show is set to be the most viewed of the series with fans desperate to see how Dec copes alone for the first time in their 20-year presenting career.
The Geordie star is understandably nervous and a source close to the duo said: “It’s going to be a strange feeling fronting the show on his own.
“But Dec is professional and is determined to do a good job.”
The Sun can reveal Dec will make a low-key entrance at 7pm, a huge contrast from the usual fanfare.
Guest Paloma Faith will open with her latest single.
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Dec will then be introduced by comedian Stephen Merchant, who will be the Star Guest Announcer from a booth next to the live audience.
Regular feature Ant vs Dec has been scrapped after bosses ruled out regulars Stephen Mulhern, 40, or 27-year-old Scarlett Moffatt stepping in as a replacement.
And Dec will host the Win The Ads segment alone.
Stephen and Scarlett will join him for the Happiest Minute Of The Week feature, with the trio dishing out tickets to the series finale live from Universal Orlando Resort in Florida next Saturday.
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Due to last week’s show being cancelled after Ant’s arrest, there is a rollover — the trio will have to be quick to ensure all ticket are handed to the correct people.
The Sun revealed this month that Ant, 42, will also miss the Britain’s Got Talent live shows and I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! while he is in rehab.
It follows an earlier stint when he was treated for a painkiller addiction.
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