Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell has opened up about Ant McPartlin’s absence from this year’s live shows and revealed that the presenter will almost definitely return to the show next year.
“I’m almost certain he’ll be back next year. And we want him back,” Simon told The Mirror.
Speaking about Ant’s arrest, Simon said: “He’s not a bad person, 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.
“Maybe the pressure was more than I realised. I will support Ant when he comes back. He’s not a malicious person, he’s just got himself into a place. But he has owned it and he’s going to deal with it. He’s taken a step back because his health is way more important than a TV show.”
GALLERY: Ant and Dec's career timeline
Ant and Dec's career timeline (slider)
1 of 8And & Dec: Early career
Ant & Dec as PJ and DuncanIn 1989 Dec landed a part on BBC children's drama Byker Grove, playing Duncan. A year later Ant was cast as PJ – PJ and Duncan was born.Another career change for the boys came in 1994, when they began as co-presenters of children's show Gimme 5 on CITV. Just a year later they landed their own programme, The Ant & Dec Show, this time on CBBC.
2 of 8And & Dec: Early career
Ant & Dec became popstarsIt wasn't just acting for the boys: PJ & Duncan were pop stars for a while, and became best known for their 1994 UK top 10 Let's Get Ready to Rhumble.Their last studio album, The Cult of Ant and Dec, was released in 1997, managing to chart at number 15.
3 of 8And & Dec: Early career
Ant & Dec hosted SMTV and CD
4 of 8Ant & Dec: Primetime career
They hit the prime time with talent show Pop IdolThey presented Pop Idol for two years, before it replaced with The X Factor and Kate Thornton took over.This gave them the opportunity to create and present Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, which is about begin its 13th series.In 2002, a year after Saturday Night Takeaway's debut, the boys joined I'm a Celebrity and have become huge parts of the show.
5 of 8Ant & Dec: Awards
Among their numerous gongs, Ant & Dec have received the National Television Award for Most Popular Entertainment/TV Presenter for 15 years running. Most recently, at the 2018 NTAs, the duo won Best Presenter.
6 of 8Ant & Dec: Relationships
In 2015 Dec married his longtime manager Ali Astall and Ant was, of course, best man. And in July 2006, Dec acted as best man at Ant's wedding to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong. Ant and Lisa, however, filed for divorce this year after 11 years of marriage.
7 of 8Ant & Dec: Friendship
Ant previously revealed his friendship with Dec started in 1990, when he sent him a Christmas card and invited him to a football match.He said: "And that was that. It just happened immediately. We clicked. We'd spend all day making each other laugh and annoying everyone and quoting Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer lines to each other."When their parts were written out of Byker Grove, the boys vowed to stick together. Dec told Weekend magazine: "We made a pact. We said to each other, 'Look, whatever happens, I'll always be there for you and you're never in this life on your own or against the world – you've always got a mate looking out for you."Even though they work together, Ant & Dec make sure they go out together at least once a week – and even live three doors apart in London!Dec said: "It's our choice to socialise outside work. And we both get to go to work with our best mate every day. And that keeps our feet on the ground."Ant added: "We love each other, definitely."
8 of 8Ant & Dec: Britain's Got Talent
Establishing themselves as the busiest presenters in the country, Ant & Dec signed up for Britain's Got Talent in 2006 – and a year later signed a two-year golden handcuffs deal with ITV, which was thought to be worth £40 million.
Ant pulled out of all TV commitments after his drink driving arrest earlier this year. He made his final appearance on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent during the last auditions show.
Dec Donnelly has been presenting the live shows by himself and has won praise for continuing without his presenting partner.
“Dec has been unbelievable. I have tremendous respect for him. He’s been a revelation,” said Simon.
Fans have been quick to congratulate Dec for his solo efforts, and were left chuckling when the presenter jokingly referenced being separated from his TV partner on Friday night's live show.
Speaking to the camera as he introduced jazz singers Dennis DeMillie and Marvin Muoneke, Dec said: "We start with two men who are absolutely inseparable.
"They're a double act everyone loved in the auditions and now they're back together for semi-final week. Must be nice."
Dec's also spoken out on Twitter about the support he's received from fans, thanking them for all their kind words.