Saturday, 16 May 2009

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Ant & Dec tipped to axe Saturday Night Takeaway

Hosts won't be renewing their contract

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also present Britain's Got Talent

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have quit ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway after 7 years.

The comedy duo want to replace the programme with a new format to attract more fans.

The last series only pulled in 6 million viewers, compared to 9 million at its peak in 2004.

‘Ant and Dec have been involved in discussions about Takeaway and are working on a replacement show,' a friend tells the News Of The World.

‘It was their baby and the show they loved the most. They're really going to miss making it. But it costs a huge amount to make. The stunts are hugely expensive and in the credit crunch they can't be justified.'

It's thought Anthony and Declan, both 33, will launch the new programme next year.

An ITV spokesman confirmed Saturday Night Takeaway had not been recommissioned for 2010 but said no final decision had been made about its future.

Alison Adey