Ant and Dec on ‘bittersweet’ decision to ‘step off the hamster wheel’ and end 20-year TV run

‘It feels like the right thing’

Ant and Dec previously opened up about their decision to end Saturday Night Takeaway.

Since shooting to fame, the Geordie duo have become TV’s go-to presenting duo.

From hosting Britain’s Got Talent to their own Saturday Night Takeaway show, Ant and Dec have kept busy over the years. The lads are bad on screens this weekend too, for the I’m A Celebrity Coming Out show on Saturday (December 14).

But back in 2023, the boys left fans gutted when they confirmed they were taking a break from Saturday Night Takeaway.

Ant and Dec sad on Saturday Night Takeaway
The TV stars have taken a break from the ITV show (Credit: ITV)

Ant and Dec on taking a break from SNT

The Geordie duo hosted their final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024 after more than two decades on air. Fans were gutted when Ant and Dec announced they would be taking a break from the show after its 20th series.

And it turns out their decision to end things was down to the pair now having families of their own.

Dec is married to Ali Astall and is a dad of two. Ant meanwhile, recently became a dad for the first time with wife Anne-Marie Corbett – who gave birth to their baby boy Wilder in May earlier this year.

Ant and Dec laughing on Saturday Night Takeaway

The pair previously opened up about ending the show after 20 years (Credit: ITV)

Ant and Dec ‘want to step off the hamster wheel’

Speaking to The Independent in February ahead of their final SNT episode, Ant and Dec opened up on why they stopped the show.

“It was a tough decision to put Takeaway on hiatus, but they were on the same page,” Dec said, before he added: “Twenty series just feels like a natural point to pause. We don’t want to say we’ll never do it again. But we’ve both got families now. Our lives have changed dramatically. We want to step off the hamster wheel, catch our breath and decide what’s next.”

Ant then described it as “bittersweet” but admitted “it feels like the right thing”.

SNT’s final episode

In April 2024, Ant and Dec hosted their final Saturday Night Takeaway show for a while. In an emotional end to the show, Dec tearfully said: “We have truly adored every second making this show.

“But there’s one thing we have never ever forgotten. That’s the fact it’s not our show, it’s your show. So we’d like to say a thank you to you, our audience.”

I’m A Celebrity… Get me Out of Here! Coming Out airs on Saturday (December 14) at 9:35pm on ITV1.

 

YouTube video player
Do you miss Saturday Night Takeaway on screens? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page

Related Posts

Fans In Tears By Princess Catherine’s SURPRISE Piano Performance At Christmas Concert!

In a moment that left fans deeply moved, Princess Catherine stunned audiences with an unexpected piano performance during a Christmas concert. Known for her poise, elegance, and…

Meghan Markle Erupts In Jealousy As Emma Thynn Secures Coveted Masterchef Deal, Leaving Her Seething With Envy

Emma Thynn, the Marchioness of Bath, has recently captivated public interest through a series of high-profile media engagements. Her appearances on “MasterChef,” hosting a Victoria’s Secret photo…

“Hollywood’s A-List Slams Meghan Markle: Why They’re Calling Her ‘Greedy’ and Laughing Her Out of Tinseltown”.

Meghan Markle, once celebrated for her role in “Suits” and her glamorous transition into royalty, has recently faced a barrage of criticism from Hollywood’s elite. The actress-turned-Duchess-turned-public…

Prince Harry’s mishandling of the POLO film project is casting a shadow on Meghan’s career prospects and their financial dependence.

Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated Netflix cooking show may be facing the axe after a disappointing reception to Prince Harry’s recent documentary, “Polo.” The series, which was meant…

King Charles escalated tensions with a surprising move just days before Christmas celebrations.

In a significant move, King Charles has announced a major change to the royal family’s traditional Christmas plans, marking a departure from the long-standing practices established by…

An expert revealed that the Sussex couple indulged in “extravagant” behavior while visiting impoverished countries.

A new documentary has revealed a surprising and private moment from King Charles’ coronation preparations, shedding light on a secret “wobble” the monarch experienced leading up to…