Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway returned with a bang! (Credit: ITV)
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Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway: Viewers go wild for first episode as series returns

'So good!'

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was back on ITV last night (February 19) – and viewers were not left disappointed.

Fans of the show have gone wild, praising it as the best series yet.

The prime-time show returned to ITV with Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly taking up their presenter roles once again.

Read more: Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway fans predict ‘sad acts’ will complain to Ofcom over ‘brilliant’ drag performance

Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway is back!
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway is back! (Credit: ITV)

What did viewers say about Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway?

Fans rushed to social media to praise the show, particularly some “iconic” moments.

The hilarious sketches and pranks had fans in hysterics, as one viewer wrote: “ANT AND DEC IN DRAG HAS ME SCREAMING.”

One fan said after the show: “So Good To Have The Boys Back What A Show.”

Another wrote: “Omg I so needed these 2 lads on TV tonight to make me laugh and they did that 1 million per cent. So so glad @itvtakeaway is back on and the end of the show show was just amazing. I couldn’t believe it but fabulous.”

The show has had fans eagerly awaiting the return, since the comedy duo announced the show would come back this February.

Saturday Night Takeaway fans were touched by the on-screen wedding. (Credit: ITV)
Saturday Night Takeaway fans were touched by the on-screen wedding. (Credit: ITV)

Saturday Night Takeaway viewers got emotional at the series return

The return of the hit ITV show also had some touching moments too, including an on-screen wedding that had viewers tearing up.

Bride Vicky had no idea what was happening a she was brought up on stage to be surprised with her dream nuptials at the end of the first show of the new series.

She and partner Nick had previously been forced to cancel their wedding multiple times during the pandemic, costing them £28,000.

The pair were finally able to say “I do” after Vicky was whisked to the wedding venue via helicopter through Storm Eunice, to a spot where all her friends and family were waiting.

Love how Ant and Dec change peoples lives on Saturday Night Takeaway.

As the surprise was revealed, Ant told a shocked Vicky: “We’ve been secretly planning with Nick and your bridesmaids for the last few month and pulled out all the stops to get you everything from your original wedding wishes.”

The moment touched the hearts of many viewers, who admitted they had welled up with tears.

One fan said on Twitter:  “Really is terrific Saturday night telly. A live surprise wedding, loads of people getting free holidays after doing amazing things during the pandemic, first studio audience in nearly two years … yes I’m an emotional mess and yes I cried.”

Another viewer wrote: “Ah they’ve pulled it out of the bag again and only 2 mins in, lovely wedding surprise.”

Love how Ant and Dec change peoples lives. I mean a wedding, amazing,” said a third.

The series also saw a surprise proposal and on-screen wedding. (Credit: ITV)
The series also saw a surprise proposal and on-screen wedding. (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Ant McPartlin on his decision to reconnect with estranged dad who left him as a child

Ant and Dec in drag was ‘iconic’

One segment of the show saw Ant and Dec take inspiration from RuPaul’s Drag Race and transform into the Angels of the North to perform in full drag.

The performance was a major hit with viewers, with some even calling for the pair to join RuPaul’s Drag Race in future.

One fan tweeted: “Petition for Ant & Dec to be guest judges on the next Drag Race UK season”

It was seconded by another fan, who wrote: “Ant & Dec in Drag is just EVERYTHING the world needs.”

Absolutely crying at Ant and Dec in drag. They look INCREDIBLE!” said a third.

Fans went wild for the performance:

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway continues on Saturday, February 26, at 7pm.

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What did you think of the first episode of Ant and Dec show Saturday Night Takeaway? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.