Britain’s still got talent – and ITV still have Ant for now
BRITAIN’S Got Talent launched with 8.3 million viewers on Saturday night slightly down on last year.
The new series saw Ant McPartlin appear alongside fellow host Declan Donnelly in scenes recorded in January.
ITV said the show, in which the judges and presenters were wowed by a magician, was the most-watched programme of the night.
But it is a small drop from the 2017 opener - which was watched by 8.7 million, with a 42% audience share.
Saturday night’s show, featuring Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and Amanda Holden returning as judges, had a 41% share and an audience peak of 9.6 million viewers.
ITV said Saturday’s Britain’s Got Talent instalment was the mostwatched entertainment show of the year so far and that it was the most popular programme on any channel so far this year for 16 to 34-year-olds.
Last year’s series culminated with pianist Tokio Myers being crowned the champion.
Since the pre-recorded episodes of Britain’s Got Talent were filmed, Ant has been charged with drink-driving and stepped down from his TV commitments. He is due to appear in court today.
Dec hosted the final two episodes of fellow ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway alone.
Viewers were thrilled to see Ant and Dec reunited for the programme.
On Twitter, Jo Seales, from South Shields wrote: “Ant back with Dec where he belongs!!! Even if it was pre recorded ages ago. It’s good to see #AntandDec.
Durham’s Debbie Williams tweeted: “#BritainsGotTalent really loving Britain’s Got Talent with Ant and Dec, it feels like all is right with the world again. #antndec.”
Elle Parfitt, from South Shields pointed out how happy Ant looks alongside his best friend and co-star, saying it “breaks her heart”.
Britain’s Got Talent returns on ITV next Saturday.