Saturday Night Takeaway announcer Stephen Merchant congratulates Declan Donnelly on his baby news – and reveals why he’s not replacing Ant McPartlin
STEPHEN Merchant congratulated Dec on his baby news as he joked the only reason he's not Ant's replacement is because of their height difference.
The Saturday Night Takeaway announcer asked if he could join the solo presenter on stage for the evening - before cheekily saying it wouldn't work because he's 7ft 7ins, while Dec is just 5ft 5ins.
He said: "And can I just say, congratulations on your forthcoming baby.
"We're all looking forward to that. I for one, can't wait to pop round to your house and hear the pitter patter of tiny feet... it'll be you coming to the door."
His reference to Dec being alone on stage was one of the few mentions of Ant's absence tonight.
Saturday Night Takeaway bosses kept Ant McPartlin in the opening credits of tonight's, but viewers were left baffled when Dec failed to mention him in his introduction.
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.
In the same week of Ant's arrest, The Sun revealed Dec is to become a dad with wife Ali.
It is thought 40-year-old Ali got pregnant shortly after Dec, 42, left the jungle in December following the last series of I’m A Celebrity.
Dec told fans: "Just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely messages.
"The news has sneaked out a little earlier than we had hoped but Ali and I are delighted to be expecting our first child. Thanks for all the love, we really appreciate it".
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