ITV criticised after ‘fake’ Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway segment ends in tears

'This show is so fake'

This week's installment of the popular ITV prime time show, hosted by Ant and Dec alongside co-star Stephen Mulhern, featured all the usual entertainment, laughter and mind-blowing prize pots. But one segment prompted accusations of the show 'staging' events.

The 'QuestionCam' feature saw Ant and Dec give audience members the opportunity to ask any question they wanted.

The segment featured heartwarming moments such as an employee being offered a promotion and a child being introduced to a brand new puppy for the family.

One question in particular sparked tears of happiness, involving a guest called Nick and his step-daughter. But some viewers wondered whether all was not quite as it seemed.

In the studio, guest Nick was brought on stage with Rihanna, and seemed to have no idea what was going on.

Ant and Dec told Nick that Rihanna had a question she'd wanted to ask for a long time. She told him: "Nick, as you know, because my father passed away before I was born I have never had a father figure before and a dad to look up to in my life.

"I already see you as my dad and you make me feel complete, that's why I've brought you here tonight to ask you to take this massive step forward with you."

With the help of Nick's favourite football team, the studio audience and his family at home, Rihanna then asked: "Will you adopt me?"

Wiping away tears, Nick answered: "Course I will." The duo hugged and Ant described it as a "very beautiful moment".

Despite he heartwarming scenes though, some viewers at home couldn't help but wonder whether or not the whole thing was staged, and if Nick actually knew all along what was going to happen.

One said: "Why is he tearing up before anything has been said? It's like he knew it was coming."

Someone else said: "Nick definitely knows what is going to happen."

Meanwhile, others had doubts about the puppy moment, with one person saying: "They obviously knew the puppy was there for ages... so fake."

Another tweeted: "How fake can you get.... #saturdaynighttakeaway."

Someone else said: "This show is so fake. People in audience know they are going to be chosen for the phone game and the people they face time also know. Thought you were better than this #SaturdayNightTakeaway."

And a fourth added: "They've definitely seen that dog before haha."

However despite the conspiracy, others were loving the touching segment, which one saying: "Fricking bawling my eyes out."

Meanwhile, another said: "Absolutely gone watching Saturday Night Takeaway," followed by a series of crying emojis.

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