SATURDAY Night Takeaway fans were practically left sobbing as Ant and Dec made a sad announcement.

The pair once again took to the ITV airwaves as they presented an instalment of the last series of their long-running primetime show.

And and Dec made a surprise announcement that caught fans off guard
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And and Dec made a surprise announcement that caught fans off guard

Their latest show featured a throwback clip to their first ever episode
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Their latest show featured a throwback clip to their first ever episodeCredit: Rex
Ant and Dec presented a star-studded edition of their entertainment show which featured names likes Emma and Matt Willis, Sam Thompson, Josie Gibson, Jordan North, and JLS.

The Blue Man Group performed the ‘End Of The Show Show’ performance, whilst Stephen Mulhern promoted the upcoming In For A Penny series.

It also featured a throwback clip of the pair on their first episode of the show as they brought back a segment called ‘Home Run’.

But the presenting pair caught viewers off guard as they reminded their fans that there are only two shows left of the current series.

They previously announced they would be resting the show after 20 years on the airwaves, leading to devastation amongst fans.

But the new announcement that the series has only two weeks to go has sent shockwaves as fans rushed to express sadness over the ending of the format on social media.

One fan fumed: “2 shows left and it’s over forever 😭 #SaturdayNightTakeaway @antanddec you shouldn’t end!!!”

As a second said: “I’m not ready for #SaturdayNightTakeaway to finish in 2 weeks.”

And a third user added: “2 episodes left of #saturdaynighttakeaway 😢.”

Speaking about the series coming to an end, 48-year-old Ant McPartlin previously commented: “We can’t believe there are only a few shows left and we’re getting closer to the end.

“This series has been very special to make and we’re looking forward to making the last show a party to end all parties.

Saturday Night Takeaway viewers threaten to ‘boycott’ show as JLS announce huge surprise during performance,
“The Saturday Night Takeaway production team have been working non stop to ensure this special, two hour finale has that Saturday Night Takeaway magic from start to finish.”

Whilst presenting partner Declan Donnelly explained: “The finale will be a real celebration of Saturday Night Takeaway over the years.

“We’re honoured and touched that for 20 series it’s been part of Saturday night TV viewing for so many families across the country.

We’re giving it (and us!) a rest for now, but we’ll take away and treasure some very special memories and moments.

He added: “We will most certainly miss it.”

Ant and Dec’s incredible career

ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly met on the set of Byker Grove in 1990.

The two went on to have chart success under their characters’ names – including their 1994 No1 smash hit Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.

They haven’t looked back since then, going on to present some of the most popular shows on TV.

Here’s a rundown of some of their most popular shows – plus one “dud”.

The Ant & Dec Show – this late afternoon kids’ entertainment series ran from 1995-1996 for 17 episodes
Ant & Dec Unzipped – the twosome jumped from ITV to Channel 4 for this children’s sketch show in 1997
SM:TV Live – the duo teamed up with Cat Deeley in 1998 for Saturday morning mayhem including the classic Wonkey Donkey game
Friends Like These – the Geordie pair hopped channels again, landing on BBC One to present this game show from 1999 until 2001
Pop Idol – before The X Factor there was Pop Idol, which ran for two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and saw Michelle McManus and Will Young crowned the winners
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – the reality TV show began in 2002, with Dec presenting all 23 seasons, even one without sidekick Ant as Holly Willoughby stepped up
Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – this show also began in 2002, but the lads said the 2024 offering would be their last
PokerFace – Ant and Dec created this game show which aired from 2006-2007. with a top prize of £1million.
Britain’s Got Talent – the TV series began in 2007 with the pair’s backstage antics loved by fans. They also took part in silly competitions on Stephen Mulhern’s ITV spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent
Red Or Black – the show only aired for two seasons in 2011 and 2012. It was one of the pair’s rare “flops” with Dec admitting “we got it wrong”
Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win – the pair had another success on their hands when this show hit screens in 2022

Fans couldn't help but get emotional as the programme may come to an end for good
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Fans couldn’t help but get emotional as the programme may come to an end for goodCredit: Rex

Ant and Dec want to rest the show for a time but hope to bring it back later
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Ant and Dec want to rest the show for a time but hope to bring it back laterCredit: ITV

The show has been on screen for 20 years
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The show has been on screen for 20 years