Ant & Dec’s to Takeaway into 2014

Morrisons: Ant and Dec

ITV has recommissioned the revived Saturday Night Takeaway, for another series next year.  The series is fronted by twelve time National TV Award winners, Ant and Dec.

“Produced by ITV Studios, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway is currently averaging an impressive 7.1 million so far this series; making it the show’s most watched series since 2005.” – ITV

Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, hugely influenced by BBC One’s 1990s ratings hit Noel’s House Party, returned in February with their version of huge scale stunts, sketches, and appearances from celebrity guests.

Cameras have been turned on members of the public as the Geordie duo have sprung surprises on both the studio audience and viewers live around the UK, with plenty of amazing prizes on offer.

Countless celebrities, from Alan Carr, David Walliams, Ashley Roberts, Sharon Osborne to Sir Terry Wogan have been live in the studio each week; introducing or taking part in the show and the challenges.

“There have been laugh out loud antics in I’m a Celebrity Get Out Of Me Ear with Emma Bunton, Aled Jones, and Louis Walsh talking into a banana.” – ITV

The broadcaster also are pleased that their viewers have fallen in love with a new Little Ant and Dec, who have interviewed a host of names including Mila Kunis and Simon Cowell.

Each episode has rounded off with a show-stopping End Of The Show Show, including Robbie Williams, the cast of Riverdance and the now legendary one time performance of Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble; which has subsequently rocketed up the charts.

Ant said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to this series, especially after four years off air.”

Dec added, “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of the shows this year and can’t wait to get working on another series for next year. “

The recommission has been ordered by ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham, and ITV’s Director of Entertainment and Comedy, Elaine Bedell.

Elaine Bedell said, “Takeaway has burst back into the schedule this year with some brilliant, original and inventive pieces. It is a great tribute to Ant and Dec, and to the team, that it feels so fresh – and its success has shown there is still very much an enduring audience appetite for high quality, prime time entertainment on Saturday nights.”

[Reported by Mike Watkins, pictured: Ant and Dec in their latest adverts for Morrisons]