Ant McPartlin will still appear in pre-recorded footage for Britain’s Got Talent when it starts on April 14, according to reports.
ITV bosses have decided that the auditions stage of the show featuring the embattled presenter and his co-host Declan Donnelly will go ahead as planned, according to The Sun.
Dec will then reportedly be going at it alone for the live shows a few weeks later following his impressive solo efforts on Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend.
‘All the footage will air’: Ant McPartlin will still appear in pre-recorded footage for Britain’s Got Talent when it starts on April 14, according to reports
It is reported that Ant will appear alongside Dec in the pre-recorded audition part of the competition which was filmed ahead of his arrest for drink-driving.
The popular twosome will be seen going up and down the country to interview acts from Manchester, London and Belfast before and after they take to the judges to display their talents.
An insider told the publication: ‘All the footage that was created during the audition stages will air when the series starts again.’
Like originally planned: The twosome will be seen going up and down the country to interview acts from Manchester, London and Belfast before and after they take to the judges
One man show: Dec will then reportedly be going at it alone for the live shows a few weeks later following his impressive solo efforts on Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend
This follows on from recent reports of Dec hosting Britain’s Got Talent without Ant next month, after it was claimed he would be a ‘fantastic solo’.
According to The Sun, series chiefs were so impressed during his one man show on Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend that they believe he can take on the live auditions by himself in a matter of weeks.
‘The bosses at ITV loved him,’ a source told the publication. ‘And want him back on screens as soon as possible. Simon Cowell totally agrees that he’s the best man for the job rather than bringing in a new face.’
Solo star: This follows on from recent reports of Dec hosting Britain’s Got Talent without Ant next month, after it was claimed he would be a ‘fantastic solo’
Dec will reportedly be taking to the live shows himself and an insider added: ‘It was obviously strange for viewers seeing him alone at first, but he took everything in his stride like a total pro.
‘That’s not to say people didn’t miss Ant, but the overwhelming response was that Dec was fantastic solo too,’ it was continued.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for further comment.
‘One man show’: BGT chiefs were said to be so impressed during his solo efforts on Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend that they want him to take on the live part of the show by himself
Series 12 of Britain’s Got Talent will return on April 14 and live shows will commence in May.
Meanwhile, Dec will pay tribute to beleaguered Ant ‘by introducing the theme tune to popular sitcom Friends’ during the next episode of Saturday Night Takeaway.
Dec will introduce American band The Rembrandts, who originally recorded hit track I’ll Be There For You in 1994, when the grand finale takes place at Orlando Florida Resort over the weekend.
A source told MailOnline: ‘The Rembrandt’s are the doing the Singalong Live in Florida as part of the show.’
I’ll be there for you: Meanwhile, Dec will pay tribute to beleaguered Ant ‘by introducing the theme tune to popular sitcom Friends’ during the next episode of Saturday Night Takeaway
The performance will be particularly poignant for fans of the presenting duo, who memorably used the track to great effect during their days on children’s TV show SMTV.
A source told The Daily Star: ‘If ever there were a song to sum up Ant and Dec’s friendship for the past 25 years then the Rembrandts track is it.
‘The pair are fans of the comedy show and they even spoofed it on their 1990s SMTV show and called it Chums.’
Dec will be joined by R&B star Craig David and Hollywood actress Denise Richards when the show kicks off at Universal Orlando Resort on Saturday evening.
Performance: Dec will introduce American band The Rembrandts, who originally recorded hit track I’ll Be There For You in 1994, when the grand finale takes place at Orlando Florida Resort over the weekend
It’s understood that Craig, 36, will provide music throughout the grand finale, while Denise, 47, will appear as celebrity guest announcer – a role previously filled by Gogglebox star Scarlet Moffatt.
‘Denise and Craig are both household names and boast the required amount of star power for a TV event of this scale,’ a show source told The Sun.
‘Next week’s episode is on track to be even more amazing than last year’s send off at Disney World, even with just Dec at the helm.’
Main man: Craig David will provide music throughout the grand finale on Saturday evening
Glamour: Denise Richards will appear as celebrity guest announcer – a role previously filled by Gogglebox star Scarlet Moffatt
The presenter took the helm on his own for the first time on Saturday evening after Ant, 42, returned to rehab following his arrest and subsequent charge for drink driving close to his west London home.
‘It’s been the weirdest, weirdest show,’ he told the studio audience. ‘But I wanted to say a huge, huge thank you to lots of people here. Most of all I just wanted to thank you guys.
‘That reception when I came down the stairs … I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
Troubled: Ant has returned to rehab following his arrest and subsequent charge for drink driving close to his west London home
‘I wasn’t sure how I was going to do or how you were going to react … but you carried me all the way through the show.’
He added: ‘I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Thank you. I think that’s it. I’ve talked quite enough this evening – enough talking for two. Thank you so much. And we can all go to the bar.’
MailOnline has contacted an ITV representative for further comment.
Going solo: Dec took the helm of the show without Ant for the first time on Saturday evening