Ant and Dec will no longer host upcoming Britain’s Got Talent spin-off The Ultimate Magician, due to the pair having both become unwell after testing positive for COVID-19.
The hosting duo have also reportedly had to pull out of hosting this week’s National Television Awards, with that event due to take place on Thursday night.
A Britain’s Got Talent spokesperson told RadioTimes.com: “Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover. Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in.”
Meanwhile, a representative for Ant and Dec said: “After both feeling unwell Ant & Dec have tested for Covid and unfortunately have both tested positive. The duo will be postponing work commitments whilst they recover.”
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The duo were recently seen filming the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! All Stars series in South Africa, where they posted a video to announce the series, which will air next year.
In the video, they both said: “We’ve got news,” before Dec added: “It’s probably the worst kept secret in television, but we can confirm we’re doing a very special series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in South Africa!”
Gillian McKeith, Andy Whyment, Jordan Banjo, Georgia Toffolo and Myleene Klass have all been rumoured to be making a return for the series.
Meanwhile Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician will see some of the most spellbinding magical acts to have taken to the Britain’s Got Talent stage over the years go head-to-head, with Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller fame taking the place of Simon Cowell on the judging panel.
Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician will air on ITV. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.
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