SUZUKI STAND BY ANT
Suzuki stand by Ant McPartlin and stay in £20million Saturday Night Takeaway deal after ‘drink-drive’ arrest
SATURDAY Night Takeaway sponsors Suzuki are standing by Ant McPartlin — pending talks with the star and ITV.
The Japanese firm have a £20million deal with the programme — one of the biggest in UK television.
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Its lucrative contract appeared in jeopardy after Ant failed a breathalyser test after ploughing into two vehicles on Sunday.
The arrangement also sees Ant and co-star Declan Donnelly front adverts where they give cars to the public.
Last night the company was sticking with the partnership after ITV said this Saturday’s show will not be aired.
What we know so far…
- Cops released Ant on bail pending blood test results and further inquiries into Sunday’s three-car smash
- He then held talks over his career with advisers at his West London home
- Pals said they fear for his state of mind and admitted he had a huge problem with alcohol
- The dad of the family whose car Ant hit said: “He could’ve killed us all”
- Saturday Night Takeaway’s final two episodes are expected to go ahead without Ant
- Ant will not take part in Britain's Got Talent or I'm A Celebrity
- He is set to take a break from TV and head back to rehab
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A spokesman said: “Suzuki will remain in dialogue with ITV and advise media when appropriate regarding the last two episodes.”
ITV have not yet made a decision over those programmes which are scheduled for March 31 and April 7.
Ant will not appear in either show but Dec may still front them — either alone or with a stand-in host.
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