Saturday Night Takeaway: Dec makes emotional comeback as viewers rally in support
SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY returned this evening after a week’s break, with Declan Donnelly hosting the show for the very first time on his own.
Saturday Night Takeaway: Dec reveals he has more work to do
Ant and Dec usually host Saturday Night Takeaway together, but following Ant McPartlin’s drink-drive charge, Dec decided to present the final two shows on his own to honour viewers who had won a trip to Florida on the final show.
Opening the show this evening, Dec walked down the set of stairs giving high-fives to the audience on his own.
As the audience gave Dec a warm welcome with a big applause, he said: “Thank you very much indeed. Thank you for that very warm welcome.”
He continued: “I really appreciate it! Welcome…” before stopping to take a deep sigh of breath.
Dec carried on and said: “Welcome once again to your Saturday Night Takeaway. Still the only show on telly that says, ‘Don’t just watch the adverts, win them!”
Saturday Night Takeaway: Dec makes emotional comeback as viewers rally in support
We’ve got lots to cram in and I have twice the amount of work to do… so we’re going to crack on
Speaking to the audience, Dec said: “Have a seat, we’ve got a jam packed show this week.
“We’ve got lots to cram in and I have twice the amount of work to do… so we’re going to crack on.”
Fans instantly rallied round to support a nervous Dec.
One viewer tweeted: “Good luck Dec. Head high and keep going #SaturdayNightTakeaway @antanddec.”
“He looked so nervous though #SaturdayNightTakeaway,” noted another.
Saturday Night Takeaway: Dec makes emotional comeback as viewers rally in support
SNT: Dec complains he 'has to do everything this week'
A third posed: “Dec is doing really well. Can't be easy for him #SaturdayNightTakeaway.”
“Weird to see Dec on his own on #SaturdayNightTakeaway. He seems a little nervous, bless him,” said another.
A fifth added: “Well done Dec @antanddec for keeping the show going! All rooting for you! Xxx #SaturdayNightTakeaway.”
“Dec is doing such a good job, I really feel for him! I'm proud and I don't even know the guy #SaturdayNightTakeaway,” tweeted another.
One fan posted that they felt emotional at Dec’s return, tweeting: “Why do I feel emotional watching dec present #SaturdayNightTakeaway on his own!! He's doing brilliantly.”
Saturday Night Takeaway: Ant and Dec usually host the show as a presenting duo
Piers Morgan also took to Twitter to wish Dec good luck.
Posting a photo of Dec in the studio on his own, Piers tweeted: “And then there was one....
“Good luck, Dec. Tough night but we’re all rooting for you mate. #takeaway.”
Dec later teased that he has to “do everything around here on his own this week”.
Saturday Night Takeaway concludes next Saturday on ITV at 7pm.