solo fears
Declan Donnelly reveals he suffered sleepless night before presenting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant McPartlin
DECLAN Donnelly has revealed he suffered a sleepless night before presenting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant McPartlin for the first time.
The telly favourite, 42, made the admission as he thanked fans for their "lovely messages" after he hosted the show solo for the first time.
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Dec got a standing ovation from the studio audience as he walked onto set and he appeared visibly nervous as he took charge of the show.
He has now confessed he was worried about his solo debut as he thanked viewers for tuning in.
In a message posted on Twitter after the live broadcast, he wrote: "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."
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Dec was praised by fans as he moved them to tears with his bravery for hosting the show without his longtime presenting partner Ant, who cancelled all his TV work after checking into rehab after his drink-drive charge.
Ant did make an appearance in the show, but it was only in a pre-recorded skit he had previously filmed with Dec before his arrest.
Dec was supported by his co-stars Scarlett Moffat and Stephen Mulhern, who had expanded roles on tonight's show to help fill the gap left by Ant.
The show also featured an appearance by Stephen Merchant as guest announcer, who congratulated Dec on his baby news after it was revealed his wife Ali is expecting their first child.
Declan Donnelly makes another joke about presenting without his partner Ant McPartlin on Saturday Night Takeaway
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Scarlett Moffat and Stephen Mulhern replace Ant McPartlin in giving away places for the Florida trip
Dec received an outpouring of support from both fans and his famous friends, with pals including Amanda Holden getting behind him and sending sweet messages.
After this solo turn, fans have since backed Dec to continue hosting the rest of his shows without Ant, who has bowed out of both Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity.
Stephen Merchant jokes filling time for Dec Donnelly on Saturday Night Takeaway
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Ant 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.
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