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STEPPING out solo for the first time, Dec must have been feeling considerable trepidation as he took to the Saturday Night Takeaway stage last night.

Prior to Saturday night, Dec had never presented a show without Ant at his right hand side.

 Dec Donnelly managed to pull off a splendid showing of Saturday Night Takeaway, in his first TV appearance without partner-in-crime Ant McPartlin
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Dec Donnelly managed to pull off a splendid showing of Saturday Night Takeaway, in his first TV appearance without partner-in-crime Ant McPartlinCredit: Rex Features

Luckily, 20 odd years of experience kicked in and he delivered a flawless performance.

His initial nod to Ant’s absence - while too fleeting for some - was in keeping with the cheerful, light-hearted tone that has drawn millions to the show.

And he succeeded in delivering on his own the spirit of fun that the boys are known for.
As the programme went on, assistant presenters Stephen Mulhern and Scarlett Moffatt stepped in at a handful of points where a co-host was missed.

Declan Donnelly makes another joke about presenting without his partner Ant McPartlin on Saturday Night Takeaway
 Dec showed he can carry the weight for both of them while we wait for Ant's return
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Dec showed he can carry the weight for both of them while we wait for Ant's returnCredit: Rex Features
 Fans rallied behind Stephen Mulhern and Scarlett Moffatt as they stepped in during some segments of the show
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 Fans rallied behind Stephen Mulhern and Scarlett Moffatt as they stepped in during some segments of the show
Scarlett Moffat and Stephen Mulhern replace Ant McPartlin in giving away places for the Florida trip
 The duo in a pre-recorded segment for the hit Saturday TV show
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The duo in a pre-recorded segment for the hit Saturday TV show

But in the absence of Ant and Dec’s show, this was very much the Dec show.

He was the ringleader, and the message delivered loud and clear to the audience was that no-one is stepping into Ant’s shoes until he is ready to return.

Dec Donnelly thanks fans for their support at the end of Saturday Night Takeaway
 Dec has crunch talks with the show's bosses on how to address Ant's absence
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Dec has crunch talks with the show's bosses on how to address Ant's absenceCredit: Jon Bond - The Sun

Despite the inevitable pressure, Dec carried the weight of the pair’s brand admirably.

And his triumph bodes well for the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals next month – which Ant is currently expected to miss while recovering in rehab.

But based on last night, Dec is more than capable of holding the fort until his partner is recovered and well enough to take his place beside him again.

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