Declan Donnelly will host Britain’s Got Talent on his own after success of his solo debut on Saturday Night Takeaway

DECLAN Donnelly will host Britain’s Got Talent on his own after his solo debut on Saturday Night Takeaway proved a huge success.

There was uncertainty over the presenting lineup for this year after Ant McPartlin pulled out of all forthcoming work.

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But insiders said chiefs including Simon Cowell were so impressed with Dec’s single-handed efforts last weekend they now want him to do the same for BGT’s live shows.

The Geordie favourite and co-star Ant pre-recorded the auditions phase of the competition ahead of Ant’s drink-driving arrest in March.

An insider said: “After last weekend the feeling is very much that Dec should take on BGT alone too – he did a brilliant job.

“The bosses at ITV loved him and want him back on screens as soon as possible, and Simon Cowell totally agrees that he’s the best man for the job rather than bringing in a new face.

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Ant and Dec pre-recorded the auditions phase of the competition ahead of Ant's arrest on a drink driving charge

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“It was obviously strange for viewers seeing him alone at first, but he took everything in his stride like a total pro. That’s not to say people didn’t miss Ant, but the overwhelming response was that Dec was fantastic solo too.

“It also solves the major headache over continuity issues because so much of the series is already in the bag after the auditions finished.”

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BGT returns to screens on April 14 with the live shows in late May.

This weekend Dec will host the final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, which will see a host of winners from the series join him and co-stars Scarlett Moffatt and Stephen Mulhern.

Actress Denise Richards and singer Craig David are special guests.