Declan Donnelly will host Britain's Got Talent live shows alone after Ant McPartlin 'steps down from TV commitments'

The new series begins on ITV this weekend
Flying solo: Declan Donnelly will present the Britain's Got Talent live shows alone
PA
Natasha Sporn10 April 2018

Declan Donnelly will host Britain’s Got Talent’s live shows alone after Ant McPartlin stepped down from television commitments.

ITV released a statement on Tuesday night confirming that Donnelly – who presented the final two Saturday Night Takeaway shows alone – will fly solo for the BGT finals.

They said: “Dec will be hosting the live shows which for the first time ever are coming from the Hammersmith Apollo while Ant steps down from his TV commitments for now.

"We send Ant all our love. And we know that Dec will do a brilliant job."

Return: The new series begins on ITV on April 14
ITV

The confirmation comes in the wake of McPartlin stepping down from his commitments for the “foreseeable future” earlier this year and readmitting himself to rehab.

The broadcaster added that the auditions were filmed in January, which begin airing this weekend.

Ant and Dec - In pictures

National Television Awards 2021 - London
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McPartlin was charged by postal requisition on March 21 after allegedly being involved in a collision with two other cars while he was driving his Mini in Richmond, west London, on March 18.

The TV presenter was due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on April 4, but the hearing was adjourned to April 16, a spokeswoman for the court said.

One of the emotional auditions this series comes from Manchester Arena survivor Hollie Booth, who performed an Ariana Grande medley with her friends.

The 13-year-old's routine moved judge Alesha Dixon to tears while Simon Cowell praised the youngster, describing the routine as a “statement” and saying he would “never forget it”.

Britain’s Got Talent returns Saturday 14 April at 8pm on ITV.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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