Star Dec’s nerves at going solo
Donnelly hosts Takeaway on his own after Ant drink-drive charge
DECLAN Donnelly told fans of his “sleepless night” ahead of hosting Saturday Night Takeaway without pal Ant.
DECLAN Donnelly was so nervous about hosting Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant McPartlin that he couldn’t sleep the night before.
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 7.7million viewers – a 39 per cent 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 last-ever 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 point: “I’ll have to do it myself, like everything else this week.”
Following Ant’s appearance in a pre-recorded 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 prepare to move.
Audience members queued for three hours to get their seats.
Jade Stevens, 25, from Birmingham, said: “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.”
Former X Factor singer turned TV presenter Stacey Solomon tweeted: “Dec was amazing. True professional. Laughed and welled up the whole way through.”
Coronation Street Jennie McAlpine, who appeared with Ant and Dec as a contestant on I’m A Celeb, said: “Dec, you are just brilliant.”
Meanwhile, Ant – who is taking time off work after entering a treatment centre – has filed accounts that show his company Teecourt made a £4.4million profit in the year ending June 30, 2017, and now hold £17.3million.
The star signed off the accounts on March 29.
Ant is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.