Ant and Dec discuss potential of Saturday Night Takeaway return

After 20 incredible series, it's no surprise TV fans were devastated back in 2024 when Ant and Dec announced their hit series Saturday Night Takeaway would be going on a hiatus, so the boys could focus on other work projects.

Two years on from the last episode, appetite is still at an all-time high for the series, and now the pair have discussed its potential return during a chat with close friend Stephen Mulhern on their Belta Box podcast.

After Ant admitted a kid on a bike stopped him in the street to ask when SNT is returning, Stephen added: "I don't think people realised how much it would be missed. I think it was a staple of all families' viewing where they felt safe, they could watch it.

"And there's a must, you've got to. I speak on behalf of the nation, listen I do. You've got to do something else. You do, because it's a loss."

Looking humble at his friend's kind words, Ant added: "Well, thanks."

It seems appetite for the show's return is also high, with many fans commenting expressing their love for the show.

One wrote: 'We need the return of Takeaway! ❤️', with another commenting: 'Omg so miss Saturday night takeaway best tv ever 😍'. (sic)

A third wrote: 'Unless you’re a strictly fan, TV on a Saturday night is absolutely dire @itv and SNT is far superior to BGT'. (sic)

Somebody else commented: 'It has to come back ….I don’t know why the lads are doing this to us it’s just cruelty 😂 it was the best show man 😍'. (sic)

READ MORE: Alison Hammond makes This Morning return after health scare

Sharing a video on their socials in May 2023 to announce the 2024 series would be the last, the duo could be seen wearing matching three-piece black suits, with Ant starting: "Hi everyone, we've got some news for you. You see next year, in 2024, it will be our 20th series of Saturday Night Takeaway. And we've got some very special look-backs planned as well as some very exciting new items."

Dec then continued: "And we've also decided that our 20th series next year, will be our last one for a little while. The show takes up such a lot of our year, we just feel we need a bit of a breather and that the show is going to take a little bit of a rest."

Ant then said: "But before that though, we've got the 20th series to plan haven't we?"

With Dec then agreeing: "Yes, and we're looking forward to it!"

The 20th series then aired in 2024, with Ant and Dec going on to present shows like Britain's Got Talent, I'm A Celeb: South Africa, Limitless Win and of course, the annual I'm A Celeb.

Is In For A Penny returning?

Saturday Night Takeaway wasn't the only show the boys discussed on the podcast, with Ant also bringing up Stephen's show; In For A Penny.

After branching out as it's own TV show following its success on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Stephen Mulhern's In For A Penny went on to be incredibly popular with viewers.

The show, which had six series of its own, was put on a hiatus by ITV/STV back in 2024, but it sounds like Stephen is very keen to bring it back, even admitting he'd done the show for free!

He said: "They keep saying, oh we really want it back. Well, if you really want it back, bring it back!"

"Do you know I'd actually do that show for nothing. I genuinely would. The reality is, I would, I'll tell you why I would. I adore doing it but also it was members of the public, I love being with members of the public."

So although there are no definitive answers, it certainly sounds like Ant and Dec and Stephen are VERY keen to bring back In For A Penny.

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.