Ant and Dec's emotional three word tribute to Saturday Night Takeaway viewers as series ends
Signing off their popular TV show Saturday Night Takeaway, hosting duo Ant and Dec expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their loyal viewership on Saturday 13 April. The well-loved presenting team bid a teary farewell in the two-hour season finale of the programme which had announced its hiatus last year.
Towards the curtain call, taking a sentimental moment before rolling out a reel of their fond memories, Dec shared: "When we started this back in 2002, we thought we'd be lucky if we got to do this for maybe a couple of years, so what's happened has honestly been beyond our wildest dreams.
"We have truly adored every second of making this show, but there's one thing we've never, ever forgotten, and that's the fact that it's not our show, it's your show, so we'd like to say a massive thank you to you, our incredible audience."
As a line-up of scenes from the past seasons followed, Ant and Dec were joined by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, the fresh panel of The Voice UK judges. Together they crooned McFly's tune It's All About You. But that certainly wasn't the pair's swan-song.
Packing the stage next, alongside a star-studded crowd, including Alison Hammond, Rylan, Josie Gibson, Davina McCall, Ant, and Dec, the entire team at Television Centre broke into a full-on blast of Kool and The Gang's hit, Celebration, reports Wales Online.
As the final notes of the song faded, Ant and Dec brought Saturday Night Takeaway to a close with their heartfelt sign-off: "Goodbye and goodnight".
Fans took to social media to express their sorrow over the show's finale, while mourning the loss of such a popular and beloved show.
"Only Ant and Dec could do easy the best 2hrs live tv well done," one fan praised, while another shared their surprise at the emotional impact: "What a show! I wasn't expecting to feel so emotional about a TV show but it's 20 years of greatness! What a way to go, I don't think there was a dry eye in the UK tonight. Ant and Dec are just natural entertainers."
Another viewer reminisced: "Fantastic show @antanddec Saturdays will never be the same... this is like when you left SMTV! ! ! ! " Meanwhile, someone else admitted: "We all feel mildly traumatised by the thought of no more #SaturdayNightTakeaway."
And another complimented the team behind the scenes: "What a brilliant last ever Ant and Dec's #SaturdayNightTakeaway. Congratulations to the production team at Lifted Entertainment/ @itvstudios - a sensational show! ".
