A source at ITV has responded to reports that an ancestry documentary fronted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly has been axed, because it contains scenes of the pair drinking.
Ant and Dec’s DNA Journey was filmed in Ireland before 42-year-old star Ant’s recent crash and arrest for drink driving.
It is believed the Geordie duo traced their family trees back to County Leitrim and visited Wynne’s Bar in Drumkeeran and Davitt’s Bar in Drumshanbo during filming.
Read more: Carol McGiffin issues warning to ITV over Ant & Dec
The Daily Star claims that the chances of the ancestry special ever airing on TV are “touch and go”, with the stars seen boozing as part of the programme.
A source is quoted as telling the newspaper: “Showing clips of [Ant] in a pub is not very fair bearing in mind they were filmed before anyone knew about the demons he was battling.”
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However, a source at ITV has rubbished the story, telling Entertainment Daily: “Filming has been put on hold because of Ant stepping down from his TV commitments.”
Last weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was canned following Ant’s involvement in a three-car collision. He has since returned to rehab and stepped down from TV commitments and will appear in court next week.
He said in a statement: “[Ant] has asked for time off for the foreseeable future.”
However, Ant will feature on screen in a pre-recorded Saturday Knight Takeaway skit during the next show – despite Dec going it alone for the first time in his presenting career.
Dec, 42, will front the final two episodes of the current series by himself, including the finale set to take place at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.
Saturday Night Takeaway is on ITV, this Saturday at 7pm.
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