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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Ant and Dec both fall sick and pull out of all work immediately - including BGT and NTAs

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have been forced to pull out of a Britain's Got Talent special due to illness, it has been reported.

Instead, their friend and former Britain's Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern has been called in to replace the duo and host the show.

The pair have postponed all work commitments until they recover, an ITV spokesperson has confirmed. This likely means that they may not be attending the NTAs - during which they've consistently won the best TV presenter award for 20 years - tomorrow.

Ant and Dec were due to present two-hour special Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, which brings together the world’s most memorable and greatest magicians from past series to compete and become the ultimate champion and win £50,000.

Ant, Dec and Stephen are friends and work together on Britain's Got Talent (GoffPhotos.com)

While Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams will be returning, Simon Cowell won't as he has filming commitments in the US, TVZone has reported.

Simon will be replaced by world-famous magician Penn Jillette - one-half of the Penn & Teller team.

A BGT spokesperson told the online news outlet: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover.

Ant and Dec may not attend the NTAs (ITV)
Stephen is hosting the BGT special (ITV)

"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."

The BGT special was filmed in front of a live studio audience on Tuesday and will see 10 acts compete for the prize.

Speaking about taking part in the show, Penn Jillette said: "“Being a guest judge on BGT is going to be the cushiest job ever. They’ve gone all around the world to find the most astounding magicians, and I get to sit and watch and be amazed. I cannot wait!”

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