Britain's Got Talent boss Simon Cowell has been quoted as saying he is "almost certain" that troubled presenter Ant McPartlin will be back to co-host the show when it returns to ITV next year.

McPartlin stepped away from the programme earlier this year to deal with personal problems after he was arrested for drink-driving. He pleaded guilty and was fined £86,000 in April.

Cowell told the Daily Mirror: "He's not the only person these things happen to. He's in the public eye. It's a wake-up call. It's as simple as that."

"We want him back"

"He's taken a step back because his health is way more important than a TV show," Cowell continued. "I'm almost certain he'll be back next year. And we want him back."

The live semi-finals and final of Britain's Got Talent saw McPartlin's presenting partner Declan Donnelly as the sole host, with Cowell describing his solo stint as "unbelievable".

Declan Donnelly's solo run as host was a big hit with Simon Cowell

"I have tremendous respect for him. He's been a revelation," said Cowell.

As for BGT's future in the next decade, Cowell revealed he has wondered if his show would "work better" on BBC.

"I've thought about that recently, I genuinely have," he admitted.

"Do you always want to be in the same place? There've been no talks. They offered me a deal a few years ago... maybe I shouldn't have said what I just said."

Sunday night's BGT final saw comedian Lost Voice Guy win the £250,000 prize and place on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance in the UK.

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Lee Ridley, who performs as Lost Voice Guy, has cerebral palsy and uses a machine called a Lightwriter to speak and perform his self-deprecating routine. 

The final also saw a surprise appearance by Hollywood star Channing Tatum, who is bringing his Magic Mike Live stage show to London.

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