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19th Mar 2018

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway suspended indefinitely after Ant McPartlin drink-drive arrest

ITV have said that they are reviewing their options for the remainder of the season

Wayne Farry

There is currently no word on when the show will return to the air.

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will not air this weekend after it was confirmed that co-host Ant McPartlin will enter rehab.

The presenter was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in London yesterday after a collision involving two other vehicles which left those involved with minor injuries, and one child admitted to hospital for precautionary measures.

He has been released from police custody, but remains under investigation.

While it has been confirmed that this weekend’s episode of the show will not air, ITV are said to be reviewing their options regarding broadcasting the final two episodes of the season without McPartlin.

“ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec’s team not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend,” read an ITV statement.

“We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment.

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

A separate statement from Ant & Dec’s publicist said: “Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments.

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

The Newcastle native, who also hosts I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Declan Donnelly, has been open in the past about his struggles with addiction, which saw him enter rehab last year in a bid to tackle drug and alcohol issues.