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DEC is said to be “absolutely devastated” that he will not be working with Ant for the forseeable future.

A friend of the pair said: “This has been a bit of a bombshell for Dec.

 Dec is said to be 'absolutely devastated' to loose best pal Ant
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Dec is said to be 'absolutely devastated' to loose best pal AntCredit: Rex Features

“He’s very upset and needs time to make any decisions, which is why this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was cancelled.

“ITV understood that the show couldn’t go ahead without Dec and that he’ll have to make a final decision about what happens.”

And and Dec have become TV’s golden pairing — the Morecambe and Wise of their generation.

Their success has won them 37 National Television Awards, including 17 continuous Best Entertainment Presenter gongs.


What we know so far…


 This weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was cancelled following Ant’s crash
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This weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway was cancelled following Ant’s crashCredit: PA:Press Association
 Dec will have to make a final decision about what happens to Takeaway
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Dec will have to make a final decision about what happens to Takeaway
 Ant was arrested following the Sunday afternoon car crash
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Ant was arrested following the Sunday afternoon car crashCredit: The Sun
 A confused Ant was snapped with his mum shortly after the collision
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A confused Ant was snapped with his mum shortly after the collision
 Ant reaches for his smashed Mini
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Ant reaches for his smashed Mini
 Ant returned home after 10 hours at the police station at 2.40am
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Ant returned home after 10 hours at the police station at 2.40amCredit: BackGrid

The partnership is also incredibly lucrative, with an exclusive “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV worth a reported £30million over three years.

They started out three decades ago as teenage stars of the BBC children’s TV show Byker Grove.

It sparked a pop career as PJ and Duncan with their breakthrough hit Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble.

 Ant and Dec have an exclusive 'golden handcuffs' deal with ITV worth a reported £30million
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Ant and Dec have an exclusive 'golden handcuffs' deal with ITV worth a reported £30millionCredit: Handout
 The pair started out three decades ago as teenagers on Byker Grove
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The pair started out three decades ago as teenagers on Byker GroveCredit: ITV Press Handout
 Their success has seen them win 37 National Television Awards
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Their success has seen them win 37 National Television AwardsCredit: Dan Charity - The Sun
 Ant's wheel was wrenched off the initial collision as a shocked family stood at the side of the road
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Ant's wheel was wrenched off the initial collision as a shocked family stood at the side of the road
 Ant's wrecked motor cordoned off by cops
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Ant's wrecked motor cordoned off by copsCredit: The Sun
 Ant's stricken motor lays by the side of the road
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Ant's stricken motor lays by the side of the roadCredit: The Sun
 Cops cordoned off Ant McPartlin's wrecked motor after the crash in Richmond
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Cops cordoned off Ant McPartlin's wrecked motor after the crash in RichmondCredit: The Sun
 Ant had been pictured taking his dog for a walk before the crash
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Ant had been pictured taking his dog for a walk before the crashCredit: Flynet Pictures

The lads are so close that they bought homes in the same West London street and Ant was best man at Dec’s 2015 wedding to manager Ali Astall.

A source said of Ant’s troubles: “Dec is absolutely devastated of course, but he is also incredibly supportive.

“They are much more than co-stars. They’re best friends.”

CCTV captures Ant McPartlin driving moments before car crash and arrest on suspicion of drink-driving
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