so proud
Declan Donnelly supported by pregnant wife Ali Astall as he’s congratulated by pals after hosting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant McPartlin
DECLAN Donnelly was supported by his pregnant wife Ali Astall after hosting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant McPartlin last night.
Fans had praised the "brave" star after presenting on TV for the first time without his sidekick Ant who was charged with drink-driving earlier this month.
12
12
Ali was pictured chatting and smiling with Dec as he received congratulatory hugs from friends backstage.
Despite not directly mentioning his best friend's absence on the show, Dec joked: “I’ve got twice the amount of work to do.”
After finishing the show, his proud 40-year-old talent manager wife Ali was on hand to offer her support as well as other friends.
It wasn't just his nearest and dearest offering support either - earlier in the night fans had tweeted saying he deserved a "massive hug".
12
12
Stephen Merchant jokes filling time for Dec Donnelly on Saturday Night Takeaway
12
One tweeted: "Dec was and will always be my favourite. Feel like he needs a massive hug, but so proud of him #SaturdayNightTakeaway @antanddec."
Another said: "I love Dec so much, he is so brave to be doing the show on his. Want to give him a big hug, hope to see Ant soon, miss you."
Another fan added: "Oh, Dec I saw your little heart breaking when you opened your first ever show by yourself. We all support you!!! #SaturdayNightTakeaway #antanddec #AntAndDecSaturdayNightTakeaway".
Someone else added: "Loving Saturday Night Takeaway! I'm so proud of Dec @antanddec absolutely owning it in a difficult situation, keep up the good work! @itvtakeaway".
12
12
12
12
Declan Donnelly makes another joke about presenting without his partner Ant McPartlin on Saturday Night Takeaway
And another said: "Love Ant and Dec so much and right now it’s making me emotional seeing Dec on his own. So much respect to him for pulling through so well #SaturdayNightTakeaway".
After the show, Dec tweeted to thank fans for their support - but admitted he'd slept badly in the run up to the show.
He said: "Thanks for all your lovely messages tonight, they are VERY much appreciated, I’m glad you enjoyed the show.
"I didn’t sleep an awful lot last night so I’m off to bed! Night y’all. D x".
12
Tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was the first time Dec has appeared on TV without his co-star Ant since they first made their television debut in Byker Grove in 1989.
At the end of the show, an emotional Dec thanked fans for their support and received a standing ovation.
Dec was swarmed with support by his fans on Friday as he announced he was back to work by tweeting: “Back in studio today preparing your #SaturdayNightTakeaway for tomorrow night. Have a great Good Friday! D x.”
Starting their careers as actors, the duo had a brief musical career before landing their ideal job of hosting children’s TV show, SMTV: Live.
12
Over the past few years, the pair have become the faces of British TVs most loved shows –including I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and Britain’s Got Talent, as well as Saturday Night Takeaway.
Ant – who entered rehab last year following a prescription medication and alcohol addiction – has returned to a facility after relapsing.
He was charged with drink-driving following a collision on March 18, and is expected to appear in court on April 4.
Last week’s episode of Takeaway was pulled from the air as a result, and fans took the opportunity to share their favourite clips from the show in its absence as ITV1 aired The Voice in its place.
However, Dec and the production team decided to complete the show’s run and air the remaining two episodes.
12
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
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."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Topics