First look at last ever series of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway as Geordie duo return for farewell run
ANT and Dec have given fans a first look at the brand new series of Saturday Night Takeaway – but it will sadly be their last.
The Geordie duo are preparing to return for the 20th series of the smash hit show and have promised it will be ‘packed’ with entertainment.
In a new sneak peek video, Ant and Dec can be seen backstage and surrounded by props and costumes used in the show.
Ant, 48, says to his best pal: “Series 20. Can you believe it?”
Dec, also 48, replies: “We have had some incredible Saturday nights.”
Fans are then treated to a montage of memorable moments from over the years, including their pranks on Joe Wicks and Cat Deeley.
There is also clips of their iconic End Of The Show Shows, along with footage of viewer competitions.
One memorable scene saw a woman rip her wig off her head because she was so thrilled to have won a family free holiday.
The former child stars, who found fame in Byker Grove, are even seen performing on stage as their alter-egos PJ and Duncan.
As the area behind them gets busier and busier, Ant asks: “Reckon you’ve got one last series in you?”
Edging closer to the camera, Dec replies: “Oh try and stop me.”
The pair then find themselves squashed right up against the lens, with Dec adding: “There’s a lot to pack in though.”
As the screen cracks, Ant tells him: “But I wouldn’t miss it for the world…”
Dec then asks viewers at home: “Would you?”
ITV is yet to confirm the exact return date but a voiceover has promised the finals series of Saturday Night Takeaway is “coming soon”.
Ant and Dec sensationally announced they would be quitting Saturday Night Takeaway last May.
It has been running for 20 years and scooped countless awards and accolades, including seven BAFTAs and eight National Television Awards alone.
But the duo have decided to “rest” the show so they can work on new formats.
Ant, who is expecting his first child with wife Anne-Marie Corbett , said at the time: “We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath.”
Dec added: “We still have a momentous 20th series to look forward to first so we will do our best to go out (for now) with a bang in 2024.”
The pair also recorded an Instagram video to confirm the news.
Dressed smartly in suits to deliver the message, the pair said: “The show takes up such a lot of our year. We just feel we need a little bit of a breather.”
They signed off by exclaiming: “Let’s get to work.”
Fans were left gutted by the news and it appears they are still reeling.
In the wake of Ant and Dec’s new video to promote the 20th series, one said: “Devastated this is the final series for a while.
“This show puts a big smile on all our faces from start to finish Saturdays won’t be the same without you both. Hope it’s not away for too long.”