'Saturday Night Takeaway' Fans Express Sadness As Show Script Is Revealed

Saturday Night Takeaway viewers have been given their first glimpse of the show's script, as Declan Donnelly prepares to present without best mate Ant McPartlin for the first time in 20 years.

In a photograph shared on the show's official Instagram account, fans could see an official show script, which was adorned with the words 'Presented by Declan Donnelly.

The image was captioned: "Just a little photo to prove that we don't just wing it, there is actually a script! #SaturdayNightTakeaway.

However, it wasn't what was written on the script which grabbed the attention of fans, but rather the lack of Ant McPartlin's credentials alongside Dec's name.

"Gonna be weird watching 'Dec and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' instead of 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway," wrote one Instagram user.

Another added: "Just seeing this makes me so sad."

Others were keen to express their best wishes to the pair, as one said: "Sending all the love to all of the team tonight, but especially Ant and Dec. The nation are behind you both and will be supportive throughout. Ant will be so proud of you Dec."

"Good luck Dec!!! Sending love to you both, and hoping Ant will be in a better place very soon!" said another.

A third suggested: "Good luck @antanddecofficial Dec, you will smash it as always. I'm sure Ant will be watching."

The photo comes after it was reported that bosses of the beloved ITV show are 'panicking' over how they should address Ant's absence in Saturday's episode.

A show insider told The Sun: "Explaining Ant's absence has been the hardest part of planning.

"The bosses are torn in regards to how they can hit the right tone.

"They want to be respectful to people involved in Ant's car accident, while not bringing down the mood of the show."

The source added that producers are worried that a 'sombre start' will affect the show, as it is all meant to be about having fun.

It has also been reported that bosses are toying between three different options - Dec to apologise for Ant's absence and referencing the drink-drive incident, send a goodwill message to his best mate in rehab, or not addressing it at all but joking about presenting on his own.

Featured Image Credit: ITV/Saturday Night Takeaway

Topics: Ant McPartlin, Celebrity News, saturday night takeaway, TV News, Declan Donnelly, TV Entertainment, Celebrity Entertainment

Rachel Pugh

Rachel Pugh is Tyla's Social Editor. She previously worked as the Overnight TV & Showbiz editor for OK! Online. She started her journalism career in 2014, where she worked on the video desk for the Daily Star and Daily Express. Since then she has worked as a publisher, journalist, copywriter and social media manager on a variety of websites, with subject matters ranging from menswear to pop culture. Contact her – [email protected]

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