Dec Donnelly breaks silence over Ant McPartlin's RETURN to Britain's Got Talent

Ant is reportedly returning to work in 2019

Author: Alex RossPublished 12th Dec 2018
Last updated 12th Dec 2018

2018 wasn't the best year for Geordie TV presenter Ant McPartlin. As well as getting a divorce from his wife Lisa Armstrong, Ant was arrested and later charged with drink driving, before checking himself into rehab and stepping down from all TV duties.

After Ant's on-screen partner and best friend Dec Donnelly presented this year's Britain's Got Talent live shows on his own, Holly Willoughby stepped in to help him on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, with viewing figures through the roof.

But now, fans of Ant are super excited as it's being reported that he will RETURN to TV in the New Year, with the 2019 Britain's Got Talent auditions due to begin in January.

Speaking at the I'm A Celebrity wrap party earlier this week, Dec broke his silence on the news, telling The Mirror, "It’s back to normal for BGT – fingers crossed it will be great.”

The lovable presenter also spoke about his love for Holly on I'm A Celeb, he said, "There is nobody I would have preferred to have stood next to. Holly has been fantastic too, just brilliant. She was the one I wanted and I am thrilled she did it.”

Ant released a statement in August confirming he would be taking a step back from his TV duties. The statement, which was released on his behalf, read, "Ant McPartlin today announces he will continue to take a break from all television presenting roles until 2019. Ant will not present ‘I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!’ in November this year."

The statement also confirmed that Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway will NOT be returning for a brand new series in 2019, to allow Ant some time off to focus on his health.

It continued, "In addition Ant and Dec have made the joint decision not to present a new series of Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway in Spring 2019."

Check out Ant and Dec's career timeline:

And & Dec: Early career

Ant & Dec as PJ and Duncan


In 1989 Dec landed a part on BBC children's drama Byker Grove, playing Duncan. A year later Ant was cast as PJ – PJ and Duncan was born.


Another career change for the boys came in 1994, when they began as co-presenters of children's show Gimme 5 on CITV. Just a year later they landed their own programme, The Ant & Dec Show, this time on CBBC.

Dec Donnelly breaks silence over Ant McPartlin's RETURN to Britain's Got Talent
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However, now that Ant is seemingly returning to Britain's Got Talent in 2019, fans are wondering whether Saturday Night Takeaway will also return.

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