Ant and Dec pull out of hosting 'Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician'

Sam Moore
Updated ·2 min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Winners of the Entertainment Programme award for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly pose in the winners room at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on May 08, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Ant and Dec won't be hosting Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. (WireImage)

Ant and Dec have pulled out of hosting Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician after they both caught COVID-19.

The popular TV duo have also been forced to pull out of hosting the National Television Awards which are set to take place on Thursday evening.

Read more: Ant McPartlin bandaged by 'Britain's Got Talent' medic after cutting head on coconut

In a statement, a spokesperson for Britain's Got Talent said: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover. 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."

Ant and Dec have relocated from Down Under to Gwrych Castle. (ITV)
Ant and Dec on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here'. (ITV)

A representative for Ant and Dec added: "After both feeling unwell Ant and Dec have tested for COVID and unfortunately have both tested positive. The duo will be postponing work commitments whilst they recover."

The former Byker Grove stars recently announced they were filming a special version of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here in South Africa.

The special series will feature an all-star lineup of celebrities who have already appeared on the show in the past. Names rumoured to be taking part include Myleene Klass, Georgia Toffolo and Joe Swash.

The Ultimate Magician is a one-off spin-off of Britain's Got Talent and feature some of the best magic acts to have previously appeared on the BGT stage.

Anthony McPartlin, with Declan Donnelly (right), arriving at St Michael's church, Heckfield in Hampshire, for his wedding to Anne-Marie Corbett. Ant is one half of the entertainment duo Ant and Dec. Picture date: Saturday August 7, 2021. (Photo by Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images)
Ant and Dec before Ant's wedding. (PA Images via Getty Images)

While regular judges Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon will return to the panel, Simon Cowell is busy with commitments in the US.

In his place, producers have cast renowned magician Penn Jillette of the duo Penn and Teller.

The two-hour special will see a number of magical acts go head to head with the winner going home with a prize of £50,000.

Watch below: Ant and Dec release children's book to help kids with mental health.