Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A huge loss for the fans ...but it will be worth it
AFTER all the “will he, won’t he” Ant won’t be gracing our boxes for the annual dose of TV gold that is I’m a Celebrity. This was a massive call by Ant, Dec and ITV.
The duo are the channel’s biggest stars, and with good reason. Their on-air banter in the Jungle is what makes this show tick.
If it’s quiet in the camp, you can rely on Ant and Dec to provide some muchneeded comedy respite.
Some will argue taking
Ant away from the winning equation could represent a step into the unknown.
What could this mean for the duo’s long-term future? And – whisper it – could this be the beginning of the end for the nation’s favourite presenting duo?
STRUGGLES
Let’s not get away with ourselves. Recovery permitting, Ant is desperate to return. He knows he has to be patient but his place at the top of the ITV pantheon is secure no matter what.
TV executives – and Dec – have been behind him since Day One of his struggles and will continue to be so.
I am told Dec will consult with ITV on what the best thing is to do for I’m a Celebrity in the coming weeks. He could present solo or with a co-host.
Should we worry about how the show will translate in Ant’s absence? No.
While it’s a big loss,
Dec and the teams behind him are consummate professionals: to put it bluntly, they know how to make great TV.
When Dec hosted Britain’s Got Talent alone for the live shows, it was still a bona fide ratings hit.
And when Ant returns next year – possibly in time for BGT – expect their biggest ratings yet.