Viewers have called upon Stephen to step forward and present the show with Dec after Ant told The Sun he was continuing his break from the spotlight
ANT McPartlin’s fans have called on Stephen Mulhern to replace him on I’m A Celebrity after he confirmed he wouldn’t take part in this year’s show.
The Sun exclusively revealed 42-year-old Ant was continuing his break from the spotlight today.
Stephen, 41, stood in for Ant alongside Declan Donnelly on the last series of Saturday Night Takeaway and became an instant hit.
After the news about Ant was released by The Sun, fans called on Stephen to step up once again and join Dec Down Under.
One tweeted: “Stephen Mulhern would be fab you can see chemistry with Dec on BGMT & takeaway x all 3 good friends too.”
Another wrote: “Ant McPartlin won't be presenting I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here with Dec this year. That means only one thing, @StephenMulhern, your time has come.”
While a third said: “I think Stephen Mulhern is the only person who could carry it with Dec. Hope Ant recovers anyway!”
In an exclusive statement to The Sun, Ant announced he would be off TV until at least 2019.
He also ruled himself out of next year’s series of Takeaway because pre-production work would need to begin imminently.
Ant said: “My recovery is going very well and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off.
“I’d like to thank both Dec and ITV for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to work in the new year.”
Dec added: “Whilst I am obviously sad at the thought of being without my best friend in Australia this year, I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately and I am fully supportive of his decision.
“I’m looking forward to us both being reunited on screen in 2019.”
Saturday Night Takeaway will now be off air until 2020.
A source explained: “Takeaway airs in February, but many viewers may not realise that the filming for the sketches and the preparation begins six months earlier - which is too soon for Ant.
“Sadly that means they have had to tell the production team today that they’re going to have to push the next run back until the following year.
“It’s a show they’re hugely passionate about personally and they’re extremely close to the team involved too - but everyone understands that this is a decision which hasn’t been taken lightly and are supportive. They all wish him the very best.”
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