Dec hungry for the ultimate Takeaway
FOR someone preparing for the biggest test of his career,
Declan Donnelly looked surprisingly relaxed yesterday as he soaked up the Florida sunshine.
The 42-year-old will present ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway finale at the Universal Resort, Orlando, this evening without his sidekick Ant McPartlin, who remains in rehab after being arrested for drink driving.
However, Dec has managed to keep his spirits up thanks to a bevy of female pals who have been by his side since the troubles hit a few weeks ago.
None more so than his pregnant wife Ali Astall’s lookalike assistant Georgia, who has now taken Ant’s place while Stateside.
The rangy blonde – pictured in fits of laughter as she strolled with Dec – was first seen with the presenting duo in Australia last year when they filmed I’m A Celebrity, and was seen holding hands with Ant as they frolicked in the ocean during a filming break.
Georgia works for Ant & Dec’s management company James Grant and was also supportive of Ant after his first stint of drink and drug addiction rehab in June of last year.
Dec would previously have enjoyed downtime with Ant between rehearsals for the live show, but is being joined by presenters Scarlett Moffatt and Stephen Mulhern who have taken on larger roles in the show to fill the gap left by Ant.
Actress Denise Richards, and singers Craig David and Jason Derulo star, plus The Rembrandts – the band who sang the Friends theme tune I’ll Be There For You.
Two hundred fans have been flown to Orlando after winning a Place on the Plane in giveaways in this series of Takeaway.
Last week, Dec was praised for his first solo effort presenting, which should boost his confidence for this evening.
“I AM GAINING WEIGHT FOR A MOVIE ROLE. TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO FAT SHAME ME IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS, IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU.” ACTRESS ANNE HATHAWAY’S PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE ON CRITICS.