TV

ITV accused of making a bad joke as Saturday Night Takeaway is ‘replaced’ by car stunt film

Fast Five will now be on ITV earlier this Saturday - but not in the SNT slot, despite viewer criticism

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ITV has been accused of making a joke in bad taste while rearranging this weekend’s telly schedule after Saturday Night Takeaway was wiped from the running order.

Saturday’s episode was dropped following Ant McPartlin’s decision to step away from his TV commitments and will be replaced by The Voice UK and a repeat of Through The Keyhole.

The 42-year-old star was arrested on Sunday afternoon after his car was involved in a collision with two other vehicles in south west London. He was released under investigation and inquiries are continuing.

‘Put a nice family film on instead of Fast Five’ (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Saturday Night Takeaway’s top 10 funniest ever moments

But some viewers have taken exception to a showing of Fast Five – part of the Fast & Furious movie series that features dangerous street racing stunts at the centre of its plots – being brought forward to 10.15pm from its original air time of 10.45pm as a ‘replacement’ for SNT.

Even though the film – starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson – was already in the listings before Ant’s crash and arrest on suspicion of drink-driving earlier this week, the channel’s decision to pull it forward half an hour has still been slammed as not being “thought through”.

For many others, however, the mild coincidence linking the film’s subject and the incident that caused the schedule switch was greatly amusing.

A statement issued by ITV said the channel had made a joint decision with Ant and Dec not to air Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend – but did hint the final instalments of the series could still run without Ant.

“We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series (March 31 and April 7) which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment,” said ITV.

“We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs.”

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Ant’s spokesperson confirmed the star would once again seek treatment, having voluntarily spent time in rehab last year after struggling with a prescription painkiller addiction sparked by a painful knee operation.

“Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments,” a statement read.

“He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future.

“As such Saturday Night Takeaway will not be going ahead this Saturday.”

ITV has been approached for further comment on the schedule change.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer