Dec: I was so nervous about the solo show, I didn’t sleep
Star’s relief after hosting Takeaway without Ant
Dec takes to stage alone DECLAN Donnelly was so nervous about hosting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant Mcpartlin that he couldn’t sleep on Friday night.
The TV star was visibly anxious as he took to the stage on his own for the first time in the duo’s 29-year career, while Ant was in rehab after being charged with drink-driving.
The star’s solo stint drew an average of 7.7 million viewers – a 39% audience share – peaking at 8.6 million.
After some celebratory drinks, Dec, 42, turned in early, telling fans: “Thanks for all your lovely messages tonight, they are VERY much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the show.” He added: “I didn’t sleep an awful lot last night, so I’m off to bed.”
Dec’s wife Ali Astall, 40 – who is expecting their first child – supported the star, along with his friends and colleagues, as the show recorded its lastever episode at ITV’S London Studios.
A source said: “There was a euphoric atmosphere. Dec handled the occasion very professionally, but there was a huge sense of relief when the show ended.
“There were always some drinks planned for after the show to toast the studios where so many of the team have spent so many years working. But it was a quiet event in light of recent events.”
Dec, 42, did not directly reference Ant, 42, or his drink-drive charge during the show, but did quip that news had been “unavoidable” in recent weeks. The presenter also joked he had “twice the amount of work to do” and added at one
AFTER HOSTING TAKEAWAY SOLO
With wife Ali Astall and pals point: “I’ll have to do it myself, like everything else this week.”
Following Ant’s appearance in a prerecorded segment, guest Stephen Merchant joked to Dec: “That other guy was good, you should do more stuff with him.” The Office writer also quipped: “I don’t care what the producers are saying back here, I think you’re doing a great job.”
Make-up artist Bryony Blake described working on set as “emotional”, and said the episode was a
“fitting end” to the show’s time at the London Studios, as ITV prepares to move. Audience members queued for three hours to get their seats. Jade Stevens, 25, from Birmingham, told the Mirror: “Dec did really well, but he looked like he was going to cry when he walked down those stairs.
“He looked scared. He was definitely nervous to start with, but he warmed up as it went on.”
Louise Carr, 46, from Essex, said: “You could notice that Ant wasn’t there – there was something missing. It was like he was missing his right arm.
“I think Dec was very glad when it was over.” Fellow celebrities praised Dec’s solo turn, including X Factor host Dermot O’leary, who wrote: “Knew he’d nail it. Well done, buddy.”
Meanwhile, Ant – who is taking time off work after entering a treatment centre – has filed accounts that show his company Teecourt made a €50million profit in the year ending June 30, 2017, and now holds €19.7million. The star signed off the accounts on March 29. Ant will appear at Wimbledon magistrates court on Wednesday.
Ali is expecting baby Ant and Dec in January
Dec gets a big hug from a friend
Thanks for all your messages. I am glad you enjoyed the show DECLAN DONNELLY