Ant McPartlin WILL return to host I’m A Celebrity 2019 despite Holly Willoughby’s record ratings
Holly joined the show last year after Ant took an extended break from the spotlight - and she was a smash hit with viewers
ANT McPartlin will be back to host I'm A Celebrity 2019 - despite Holly Willoughby's record ratings when she filled in for him last year.
Ant had to sit out last year's series while he battled a string of personal problems.
Holly's stint on the show saw the programme achieve its highest viewing figures in years.
But despite her success, bosses have revealed Ant and Dec will reunite Down Under when I'm A Celeb returns later this year.
Speaking at a BAFTA Masterclass on Monday night, Creative Director Richard Cowles said: "We love what Holly did, but we’re very much looking forward to Ant coming back and I think it’s going to be an amazing series.
"I think the job is for us to create a series and cast where everyone wants to come back and watch more, so I’m not worried..
"I’m looking forward to seeing Ant and Dec back again."
Holly previously admitted that she was thrilled to have been asked to stand in for Ant.
She said at the time: "I couldn't be more excited to have been asked to stand alongside Dec for the next jungle adventure.
"I love Ant and want to send him my best wishes and support for a continued recovery.
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"These are big shoes, not to fill, but just to keep warm for a little bit."
She also admitted that she'd hoped to never be offered the prestigious I'm A Celeb presenting spot.
She said: "It was a job I never wanted to be offered because no one ever wanted the day to come when it was Dec without Ant.
"I told Ant that I would look after his show for him - because it's still his show - and I would look after Dec for him."
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