He faces crisis talks with ITV over what will happen when the Geordie duo's shows return later this year while Ant is in rehab
FANS have backed Dec to host Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celeb without his sidekick Ant - after he successfully presented Saturday Night Takeaway on his own.
The emotional 42-year-old was clearly nervous as he took to the stage tonight without his best friend of 29 years.
But by the end of the show, viewers and celebrities praised his efforts - and said he should go ahead with the Geordie duo's hit shows alone.
One fan said: "No matter what you think about the whole situation, there is no denying that Dec did a brilliant job and handled it all very well.
"If he's doing BGT himself he'll be fine.
"God forbid he'll have to but he can indeed go solo if he needs to."
Another said: "If ANt isn't out of rehab by the time of the BGT live shows, Dec should present them solo.
"Simon would be foolish not to let Dec host BGT solo if Ant isn't back by then."
Someone else added: "If tonight's episode proves anything, it's that Dec is more than capable to take care of BGT solo."
Dec didn't mention his co-presenter's absence directly this evening, but thanked viewers for "all of their support" at the end of the show.
The Sun exclusively revealed Ant stands to lose up to £3.3million for missing work on Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity this year.
The star, 42, who is paid by ITV on a show-by-show basis, is likely to be in rehab during filming.
Ant sought treatment last week after he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in Putney, South West London.
ITV confirmed the pair will not be replaced new talent on I'm a Celeb - after 15 years fronting the show.
But it's still unknown how they will handle Ant's absence.
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