Ant and Dec stepping away from Saturday Night Takeaway

Ant and Dec are stepping back from Saturday Night Takeaway.

The pair have presented the hit weekend show for the past two decades, winning multiple awards along the way.

However, fans will be disappointed to know that the pair are looking to take a break for a while:

Confirming the news, Ant said they needed to 'catch their breath' following their 20th season next year.

"We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath," the 47-year-old said.

Dec added: “We still have a momentous 20th series to look forward to first so we will do our best to go out (for now) with a bang in 2024!”

But don't be too upset, as the pair have got plenty of other projects they're working on so will still be all over our screens for the foreseeable.

Their mega money deal with ITV means that they'll be heading up I'm a Celebrity..., Britain's Got Talent, and Limitless Win.

So it's not all doom and gloom, guys.

Fans of the Geordie duo have shared their sadness at the news.

Taking to Twitter, one user said: "Wow, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway going to end after 20 years."

ITV

Another commented: "Literally the best show on TV no joke. Every ‘item’ could be a TV show in its own right. The places on the plane to deserving heroes is the best. Keep it going boys."

"Noooo I'm gutted but you boys do deserve a bit of a break too, can't wait for series 20 though!" put a third.

While another added: "20 years of dedication guys, nobody can argue that your not committed, but you do work alot! I think you've earned a rest.... Well done to you both, your both totally awesome."

Kevin Lygo, ITV Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, praised the pair for creating such an incredible show and looked forward to the future.

“When you think of Saturday night television you think of Saturday Night Takeaway," he said.

"Over 20 series the show has become a cultural phenomenon, and while we eagerly anticipate what Ant & Dec have up their sleeves for the 2024 series, we completely understand their desire to take a pause, take stock, and think about what the next incarnation of the show might look like.”

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