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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Gemma Jones

Saturday Night Takeaway: Backstage secrets, Dec's solo stint and memorable blunders

Ant and Dec will be back this weekend to host another fun-filled episode of Saturday Night Takeaway.

The ITV show has been the highlight of our Saturday nights since its launch way back in 2002.

Over the years, they’ve managed to entangle some of the biggest names in showbiz in their pranking schemes, from music mogul Simon Cowell to This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby.

READ MORE: Saturday Night Takeaway's Little Ant and Dec all grown up 18 years later

Whether they’re getting the celebs to follow ridiculous orders on Get Out Of Me Ear or pranking the A-Listers themselves, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have had the nation in hysterics with their antics on the much loved show.

But just like with any live show, anything can happen while mid-broadcast.

We take a look at some of the show's backstage secrets, blunders and complaints.

Backstage secrets

Ant and Dec on Saturday Night Takeaway (ITV)

Last year, Ant and Dec wowed fans by taking them on a behind-the-scenes tour before they went on the air.

As they showed fans around the dressing rooms and green room where celebrity guests relax and get ready for the show, Ant cheekily pretended he was going to ruin the show by pulling wires out of the rig backstage.

And Dec panicked Ant as he panned the camera to the lights hanging above his head and asked what he'd do if one fell on his head during the show.

They also showed fans the 'prompt area' that's never seen on the show - the spot where they stand during commercial breaks to organise what's coming up next.

The pair also gave fans a look inside the guest announcer's booth, where a famous face stands every show to provide links between segments.

Fans might not know that the show's live audience members actually have to arrive super early, usually being brought into the studio at 4.30pm.

They don't have to take their seats straight away though, they are actually taken to a waiting room where they're offered food and drinks while they wait - and also pose for those whacky pictures that flash up on the big screen.

Audience members are also asked to dress up for the show, as if they were off out for a Saturday night on the town.

Then when the show comes to a close, Ant and Dec always thank the audience before heading off.

Awkward moment

In 2020, Ant and Dec were left horrified as the live audience starting laughing at the worst possible moment.

They were giving a wonderful surprise to couple Petra and Simon Williams, who were queuing up outside the studio.

They'd been told the audience was full but they might get seats if they hung around.

Ant said: "What they don't know is that we've actually saved two seats for them because we're about to give them the surprise of their life."

Dec added: "That's because they're part of an extraordinary family. They live up in the north east and they've got three lovely kids."

Ant continued: "Tragically three years ago they lost their daughter Darcey-Lee when she was just nine and a half weeks old."

But Dec looked stunned as the audience burst out laughing.

Looking behind them at the big screen, they realised that Simon was helping Petra pick something out of her teeth.

It was later revealed that Bellway had bought the couple a house, but fans were still cringing at the awkward moment.

Dec's solo stint

Dec presented alone in 2018 (ITV)

In 2018, Dec received a standing ovation from the audience after hosting the show alone for the first time ever.

He presented solo after Ant took time away from the spotlight to deal with his issues following his drink-driving conviction.

Dec was praised for continuing on, and while he didn't go into any details about Dec's absence, he did made a joke about presenting alone.

Complaints

While most people love the show there has been the rare occasion where the show has been hit with an influx of Ofcom complaints from disgruntled viewers.

Most recently, the Geordie presenters dressed up in drag as they teamed up with the winners of RuPaul's Drag Race UK to deliver a fierce performance as their alter egos, Lady Antoinette and Miss Donna Lee, otherwise known as The Angels of the North.

Stealing the show, Ant transformed into a red-head and donned a black sparkly outfit whereas Dec rocked a blonde wig, red lipstick and a blue feather dress.

While the majority of viewers loved the entertainment, more than 50 people complained.

Television watchdog Ofcom reported that 59 people took issue with the scenes at hand.

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