Showbiz

Ant and Dec pull out Britain’s Got Talent after ‘sudden’ illness

The duo have scrapped all work engagements, leaving Thursday’s NTAs in doubt

Ant and Dec pull out Britain’s Got Talent after ‘sudden’ illness
Ant and Dec pull out Britain’s Got Talent after ‘sudden’ illnessThe duo have scrapped all work engagements, leaving Thursday’s NTAs in doubtAnt McPartlin (left) with Declan Donnelly have pulled out of work commitments due to mystery illness PA Wire

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have pulled out of work engagements after falling ill.

The pair, who are gearing up to host another series of I’m A Celebrity, reportedly have a ‘sudden’ illness, which has forced them to scrap an appearance on a Britain’s Got Talent special.

They will be replaced on BGT by former Britain’s Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern, an ITV spokesperson said.

There is also now a question mark over whether they will attend tomorrow’s National Television Awards.

National Television Awards 2021 - LondonMcPartlin (left) and Donnelly, pictured after winning the TV Presenter award for the 20th consecutive time at the National Television Awards 2021, may not be attending Thursday’s ceremony PA

The pair have won the Best TV Presenter Award for the past 20 years.

The duo were set to present a two-hour special, Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, which would involve magicians from past series competing for the title of ultimate champion and £50,000.

ITV Palooza 2018 - LondonStephen Mulhern will be stepping in as Ant & Dec’s replacement on the Britain’s Got Talent special PA

An ITV spokesperson said: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover.

"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.

“Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern, has stepped in."

Britain's Got Talent auditions - LondonSimon Cowell (second left) will not be joining fellow judges (left to right) David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the upcoming BGT special PA

Judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams will make a return, but Simon Cowell will not as he has filming commitments in the US.

He will be replaced by world-famous magician Penn Jillette, one-half of the Penn & Teller team.

The BGT special was filmed in front of a live studio audience on Tuesday and will involve 10 acts.

It is not yet known when the show will be broadcast.