ITV has announced that Declan Donnelly will host the upcoming Britain's Got Talent live shows on his own, while presenting partner Ant McPartlin "steps down from his TV commitments for now".
The broadcaster said the auditions for the new series of Britain's Got Talent were filmed in January, before McPartlin was charged with drink-driving. He is currently receiving treatment.
"Dec will be hosting the live shows, which for the first time ever are coming from the Hammersmith Apollo, while Ant steps down from his TV commitments for now," ITV's Head of Entertainment Siobhan Greene said at a preview screening of the first episode of the new series.
"We send Ant all our love. And we know that Dec will do a brilliant job."
Donnelly has recently hosted Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway by himself. The current series ended last Saturday, with Donnelly thanking fans for their support.
Thanks for all the lovely messages again this week, we’re all so glad you enjoyed the #SaturdayNightTakeaway series finale. We’ve had a blast in Florida, now it’s holiday time! Thanks for your support. D x
— antanddec (@antanddec) April 8, 2018
The new series of Britain's Got Talent begins this Saturday, April 14, on ITV and TV3 at 8:00pm.
Young magician, Issy Simpson, left the #BGT Judges spellbound with her enchanting act last year. Take another look at her #UnforgettableAudition ??????
— Britain's Got Talent (@BGT) April 10, 2018
Britain's Got Talent returns Saturday 14th April at 8pm on @ITV pic.twitter.com/avTraPUrHe
