The studio audience of Saturday Night Takeaway took to their feet to show their support to Declan Donnelly as he took to the stage – alone.
Tonight’s show marks a landmark in TV history, as well as the careers of Dec and his co-star Ant McPartlin.
It’s the first time that one of them has hosted a show without the other.
Ant is back in rehab, following his very publicised car accident and subsequent drink-drive charge earlier this month.
Dec and ITV took the decision for him to host the final two episodes of their Saturday prime-time favourite alone.
Some 10 minutes into the live show, Ant’s name had not been mentioned – with Dec only alluding to his absence by commenting about having double the workload this week.
Many viewers picked up on this, and also Dec seeming pretty nervous – but who could blame him?!
It’s clear he’s nervous but he’s doing so well! It feels very quiet though without the banter #saturdaynighttakeaway
— Jay (@Jamie_Olivia) 31 March 2018
#Dec sounds a bit nervous but is coping brilliantly 👍👍👍 Well done Dec @antanddec for continuing with the series #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— ScottK (@ScottK_66) 31 March 2018
Most viewers at home were as keen as the studio audience to shower him with respect…
Everyone watching Dec nail it on his own tonight #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/R84dptFN8z
— Tasmin Dawes (@Tasmin_Dawes) 31 March 2018
I respect Dec so much for doing #SaturdayNightTakeaway on his own! I bet he’s so nervous bless him! *hugs* @antanddec
— AmyMarieBailey👸🏼 (@AmyMarieBailey) 31 March 2018
He and the show kept viewers abreast of rehearsals for the show, ahead of it going live.
Dec declared he was ready to go an hour ahead of broadcast…
All rehearsals done, your #SaturdayNightTakeaway will be ready in an hour! See you on the telly at 7pm. D x 📺
— antanddec (@antanddec) 31 March 2018
The official social media accounts shared a picture of this week’s music guests, The Script…
Let’s hope they don’t go off Script! It’s @thescript! #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/lVE9VfGkrW
— Saturday Night Takeaway (@itvtakeaway) 31 March 2018
… And guest announcer Stephen Merchant…
We’ve always looked up to him! @StephenMerchant is tonight’s Guest Announcer! #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/vEJcY1oDll
— Saturday Night Takeaway (@itvtakeaway) 31 March 2018
Well done so far, Dec, everyone’s rooting for you through the rest of the show!
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