Ant and Dec forced to pull out of National Television Awards

Ant and Dec have been forced to pull out of the National Television Awards due to illness.

The NTAs are taking place tomorrow on Thursday (13 October) and will be presented by returning host Joel Dommett.

The TV presenter shortlist for the NTAs includes the likes of Alison Hammond, Ant & Dec, Bradley Walsh and Graham Norton.

The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award shortlist also features the duo's TV show, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! along with Taskmaster and The Graham Norton Show.

The pair have also pulled out of filming the upcoming Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.

Stephen Mulhern has now stepped in as replacement.

A Britain's Got Talent spokesperson told MailOnline: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover. 

"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.

"Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."

Tyla have contacted spokespeople for comment.

In a post shared on social media, the account for the series said: "Over the years we’ve witnessed some of the most spellbinding magic acts take to the #BGT stage, now they’re going head-to-head with some of the world’s most talented magicians!

"Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, coming soon to @ITV and @WeAreSTV."

Amelia Brown, Managing Director of Thames, said: “We’ve scoured a huge selection of incredibly talented magicians across many Got Talent shows around the world, to bring audiences the very best performers on one stage.

"Viewers can expect a spellbinding display of talent with magic that needs to be seen to be believed.

“It’s also a great pleasure to welcome one of the world’s best magician, Penn Jillette to the judging panel.

"Having worked in the industry for nearly half a century, he really is the best in class, when it comes to dazzling an audience with incredible magic.”

Penn Jillette, best known for being one half of world-famous duo Penn & Teller, added: “Being a guest judge on BGT is going to be the cushiest job ever.

"They’ve gone all around the world to find the most astounding magicians, and I get to sit and watch and be amazed. I cannot wait!”

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: Ant and Dec

Anish Vij

Anish has an MA in Multimedia Journalism and is passionate about delivering sarcastic/mildly amusing content. After studying business at undergrad, Anish realised that he’d much prefer getting paid to rant about a topic, rather than to find a solution to it. Apart from that, he loves the ‘Four F’s’, as he calls it - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

@Anish_Vij