Carol McGiffin has insisted there will never be a TV hosting duo who can rival Ant & Dec.
The former Loose Women star used her new Best magazine column to address Ant’s decision to step down from current TV work after being charged with drink-driving.
Dec will host the last two episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway’s current series alone, while Ant returns to treatment.
Carol, 58, describe Ant & Dec as “unique, brilliant and irreplaceable” and said she hopes Ant gets the help he needs and can return to TV in the future.
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She wrote: “Let’s face it, if the duo didn’t return they would leave a lot of holes to fill in the TV schedule. No one can touch them when it comes to entertainment which is why they deserve every award they’ve won.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the search is on for the next Ant & Dec so all their shows don’t have to be ditched. I’d say good luck with that because as a duo they are brilliant, unique and irreplaceable.
“So for Dec’s and all our sakes, I hope Ant gets better soon.”
However, ITV has made it clear it has no intention of “ditching” the duo.
As well as fronting Saturday Night Takeaway, Ant & Dec co-host Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The auditions episodes of BGT were pre-recorded earlier this year and ITV has yet to confirm whether Dec will host the live shows solo when the show begins next month.
I’m A Celebrity traditionally kicks off in November and ITV insisted last week it was “utter nonsense” to suggest Ant & Dec could be replaced on the new series.
Ant, 42, has stepped down from current TV commitments and returned to treatment after a car collision in London.
His spokesperson said: “Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments. He has spoken with Dec and ITV and asked for time off for the foreseeable future.”
That means Dec, for the first time in his career, will present without Ant this weekend.
Dec, 42, will front Saturday Night Takeaway’s final two episodes, including the finale which broadcasts from Florida.
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