Declan Donnelly reveals Saturday Night Takeaway has been ‘tinged with sadness’ as he tells audience he ‘misses’ Ant McPartlin

DECLAN Donnelly revealed Saturday Night Takeaway has been “tinged with sadness” as he paid tribute to Ant McPartlin once the cameras had stopped rolling tonight, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.

The 42-year-old presented alone for the second time ever tonight and while he didn’t mention his troubled partner, 42, during the show, his affection for him was clear as he addressed the audience following the successful finale in Orlando.

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In The Sun Online’s exclusive video Dec tells the crowd: “Thanks for all the love and support, it’s been a series tinged with... well...”

As Dec struggled to find the words, someone yelled from the audience: “We miss Ant!”

To which Dec replied: “Yes, we do, we do. It’s tinged with sadness.”

Then in a show of support for Ant, he asked: “Can you all give a one round of applause for Ant who is at home.”

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The audience then broke out into a rapturous applause.

Clearly moved Dec said: “Thank you so much, I know he will appreciate that a great, great deal.”

Ant stepped down from TV commitments following his drink driving arrest last month and has since returned to rehab to battle alcoholism.

The performer was still featured in tonight’s comedy sketch and an insider told The Sun Online that Dec looked “emotional”.

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Our source said: “When Ant appeared in the comedy skit, Dec looked emotional as he watched on from the side of stage.”
Dec moved viewers to tears tonight when he opened the show with a performance of Everybody Needs Somebody without Ant.

He sang the poignant Blues Brothers’ song to the 250 competition winners who had been flown to Universal by Virgin Holidays, and emotional fans were certain there was a message for his troubled best pal in there.

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One said: “Sure this song has a lil meaning for ant ❤ #AntAndDecSaturdayNightTakeaway”

Another added: “Decs little message to Ant ‘I need you’ 💔💔💔”

A third tweeted: “I’m crying already!! @itvtakeaway #SaturdayNightTakeaway”