The nation delivered a collective sigh of relief for Declan Donnelly as he made it to the end of tonight’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
The telly favourite had surely felt every moment of those 90 minutes of live TV tick by.
And as he thanked the many guests who’d helped him through tonight’s show minus his best pal and co-star, Dec didn’t forget to express his gratitude to viewers.
Clearly a heartfelt message, Dec touched his chest as he said, “Thank you for all of the support,” just ahead of the credits rolling.
It was the perfect nod to what has clearly been a difficult time for him, as well as his friend – and rightly saved until the end so as not to distract from the job at hand.
Even if it did leave viewers blubbing!
Dec “thank you for all of the support. thank you”
The whole of the UK #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/quYi1Xj11r
— beckiee (@rebekahjaydexo) 31 March 2018
No, YOU'RE feeling a bit emotional after hearing Dec thank everyone for all the support, whilst looking emotionally and physically exhausted! #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Ci5-Sal (@Mz_Scheherazade) 31 March 2018
#SaturdayNightTakeaway I'm just emotional like he did so good BLESS. pic.twitter.com/fvp6w3zsUk
— Jessica 🌞 (@moonlitbiebb) 31 March 2018
As for viewers’ reaction to tonight’s show? Dec came (alone), he hosted, he conquered – this was the overwhelming conclusion.
Read more: Dec addresses Ant’s absence from Saturday Night Takeaway
The Geordie star – who this week confirmed the happy news he is set to become a dad for the first time – understandably appeared a little nervous as he took to the stage.
Fans tuning him were quick to spot it, and sent him their support via social media…
Oh little Dec 😢 felt so sorry for him in the introduction tonight. Looking understandably nervous & emotional but he’s doing fabulous 👏🏼 #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— A I M É E (@aimee_teare) 31 March 2018
#SaturdayNightTakeaway @antanddec ….. Dec looking so nervous but doing brilliantly u got this
— Lyn McAuley (@Lyn230) 31 March 2018
Watching #SaturdayNightTakeaway & really feel for dec.he is obviously nervous but is doing so well #dec
— Jenna Laskowski (@Liljen1986) 31 March 2018
never watched it before but props to a clearly very nervous and emotional Dec hes putting on a great show #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— ☠ Loki ☠ (@Captain_Lokii) 31 March 2018
There had been speculation about how the ITV show would address Ant’s obvious absence; but opting for the humour route was best according to many fans.
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Rather than delivering a heartfelt speech about his friend – which would have jarred with the whole tone of the upbeat programme – Dec instead made a couple of jokes about being landed with twice the workload this week.
This went down a treat with the audience…
Im crying at decs little jokes about ant “ I’ll have to do the end of the show show myself then like everything else this week”😂😂😂😂 #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Imogen💛 (@Imogenation1) 31 March 2018
atleast they can joke about it and ant would expect nothing less. #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— emily❤🌹 (@emilyashalll) 31 March 2018
I love the fact that Dec is making subtle jokes about the fact that ant isn’t there😂 it’s good that he has a sense of humour about it #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— holy book of jesus (@WolverineBrooke) 31 March 2018
Whether Dec took a read of all the support on social media during the ad breaks, or just naturally relaxed into his groove, the telly pro was soon smashing the show.
By the end of the episode, Takeaway fans admitted it had been a strange experience without Ant, but they couldn’t praise Dec highly enough…
So strange watching #SaturdayNightTakeaway without Ant. But Dec is doing amazing @antanddec xx
— Becky Symonowicz (@86Bexlyo) 31 March 2018
@antanddec Very strange to see Dec without Ant but he’s smashing it!!!! Bloody well done!!!!! 👌 #SaturdayNightTakeaway
— Wardy (@Mandie0376) 31 March 2018
Missing Ant but Dec you are doing an amazing job ❤#SaturdayNightTakeaway #antanddec
— leigh (@leigh17712055) 31 March 2018
Well done Dec – you’ve done yourself, and Ant, proud!
Are you excited for next week’s finale now? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!