Ant and Dec quit Saturday Night Takeaway after 21 years to 'catch our breath'
The I’m A Celebrity presenters have helmed the ITV variety show since June 2002, which has spawned beloved segments including Singalong Live and Read My Lips.
On a video posted on Instagram, Dec, 47, explained they had decided the 20th series, due to air next year, will be their ‘last one for a little while.’
‘The show takes up such a lot of our year we just feel we need a little bit of a breather and that the show is going to take a little bit of a rest,’ he continued.
In a statement, Ant, 46, added: ‘We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath.’
Fans rushed to comment on the news on social media, with one lamenting: ‘Gutted, I look forward to this on a Saturday night 😩.’
A fourth commented: ‘Lads you never stop!! You deserve a break, you guys are always on so no doubt you will be on another show anyways 😊 have some much needed time! 💜.’
The series previously took a pause in 2009, returning four years later in 2013.
The show has been a hit with fans for its various pranks
Saturday Night Takeaway has welcomed a range of starry guests including Alison Hammond
Fans of Ant and Dec can breathe a sigh of relief as ITV confirmed the longtime pals will continue their exclusive working relationship with the broadcaster on shows including Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win.
The series previously took a pause in 2009, returning four years later in 2013.
The most reason season of the juggernaut show drew to a close in April and saw a load of lucky prize winners jet out to Florida to cause its signature mayhem at theme park Universal Orlando Resort.