Ant and Dec fight back tears as they say emotional goodbye to ITV Saturday Night Takeaway

Ant and Dec were left in tears as they said an emotional goodbye to Saturday Night Takeaway, with the pair hinting that the show may not return after its hiatus

The renowned presenting pair Ant and Dec were visibly emotional during the finale of their long-established ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway. Their fans were equally touched as Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly struggled to contain their feelings while bidding a touching farewell to the series that spanned over two decades.

Originally aired in 2002, they have revealed would put the popular show on pause in 2024. However, amid ongoing discussions, speculation has grown about whether the show will return after its break, causing many to fear this could be the final series.

Even though the Geordie duo once again reassured viewers on Saturday that it was only a temporary interruption, their visibly emotional display implied a deep sadness at the thought of leaving the beloved programme behind, reports the Daily Record.

During the episode, the hosts were visibly affected by nostalgia as they reminisced over treasured moments from the past.

With the audience roundly applauding, Ant acknowledged the "emotional" nature of the occasion, whilst Dec assured viewers that they intended to leave the series "with a bang".

As they introduced the show "for one final time", they emphasised that the programme was simply taking "a rest". However, when the moment came to pay tribute to their loyal fans and viewers towards the end of the show, both presenters couldn't hide their emotions.

Ant shared that it had been an "honour and a privilege" to entertain viewers on Saturday nights for over 20 years. Dec reflected on the show's journey, saying it surpassed their wildest dreams, and credited their loyal fans for the success.

An emotional Dec couldn't hold back tears as he thanked the audience, with Ant visibly moved by the moment. The pair embraced in a poignant hug, with Ant comforting Dec before they performed a song to thank their supporters.

Dec welcomed the audience to the final episode, admitting his disbelief at the show coming to an end. As Ant was visibly tearful, Dec also felt the emotional weight, reminding everyone, "There's one thing we've never ever forgotten. It's not our show, it's your show, so we'd like to say a massive thank you to you, our incredible audience."

The presenters acknowledged their sadness as the show took its final bow, assuring fans that it would return one day. Looking back, the duo had predicted that keeping emotions in check would be challenging in the finale, which turned out to be an extended goodbye to the series.

Previously, the hosts announced a break from television, remaining secretive about when the show might return to ITV.

Ant confessed: "I can't quite believe it will be the last show, we've thoroughly enjoyed making this final series."

"I know it'll be an emotional night but we intend to give Takeaway viewers a party to end all parties! It's been mixed emotions all week as we've been planning and rehearsing this final show."

"Saturday Night Takeaway is very special to us. We've made this two hour finale show a real celebration of all things SNT from over the years."

Ant hinted: "I don't want to give away too much but it will be a big goodbye..." chiming in, Dec added: "...for now! ". The dynamic duo also teased the finale episode, assuring fans it would be a celebration of the series and would be "unpredictable".

Ant enthused: " It's genuinely the biggest Saturday Night Takeaway we've ever done! We're taking over the whole of TV Centre, it's going to be chaotic, unpredictable and hopefully very entertaining....anything could happen! ".

Dec continued: "Everything is supersized for this very special live farewell show - we've got 3 stages, our main studio stage and two brand new purpose built stages outside TV Centre."

Fans were already aware that there would be a host of familiar faces, including celebrity guests and past show participants. Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway is available to watch on ITVX.