Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly couldn’t have been in any doubt about how popular they have become with the British public over the past three decades.
No other presenters get a look-in at the National TV Awards when this pair are up for a gong.
Read more: Jungle branded FAKE on I’m A Celebrity
And if Ant was even a little worried that the affection felt towards him might have dwindled once he opened up about his booze and painkiller addiction over the summer, the outpouring of sympathy must have been a little weight off.
But the groundswell of support from his fans as he made his return to I’m A Celebrity… alongside pal and presenting partner Dec tonight surely still knocked him off his feet.
From the moment the pair appeared on screen, social media blew up with viewers rushing to offer up their words of kindness and adulation.
Read more: The real reason campmates wear red socks
In true Ant and Dec style, they used humour to reference what had been going on, with Dec jokingly introducing his ‘co-star’ Holly Willoughby, then telling Ant noone knew if he’d be there.
Ant said he was always going to be back and then said: “It’s good to be back.”
The boys then shared a sweet hug. And with that it was on with the show. Awww.
Yesterday Ant delighted fans by sharing pics from his 42nd birthday celebrations.
He again thanked everyone for their well wishes.
It’s so good to have him back where he belongs – and what a series of I’m A Celeb it’s already shaping up to be!