Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Declan Donnelly rehearses without Ant McPartlin

Powerful moment 141 survivors of sexual abuse by Larry Nassar join hands on the ESPYs stage to receive the courage award and listen to Aly Raisman condemn the wall of silence victims endured
FBI Director Chris Wray hints he has considered RESIGNING over the past year and fires back at President Trump's summit remarks to Putin, calling Russia's continued attempts at interference 'malign'
'I do hold him responsible': Trump now claims he CONFRONTED Putin on meddling in the 2016 election and repeats his confidence in US intelligence - but REFUSES to call the Russian leader a liar
Judge Aquilina is honored by survivors at the ESPYs as Aly Raisman praises her for allowing them to speak out during Larry Nassar's dramatic and shameful trial
Russian ambassador to the US says Trump and Putin reached 'verbal agreements' in Helsinki on nuclear and security issues - much to the surprise of US officials
Dermatologist shares the exact order you should apply skincare products - and the ingredients to NEVER mix
Florida man, 71, dies after eating raw oysters tainted with deadly bacteria
Mom, 30, who beat her two-year-old son to death with a studded belt because he WET the bed is sentenced to 40 years for the 'horrific, depraved, torturous humiliating' murder
Mother is accused of letting men rape her daughter, TWO, who then got an STD and was left with meth in system
British detectives IDENTIFY the Russian Novichok assassins: Officers have CCTV of 'several' attackers who poisoned former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter near Stonehenge
Soot storm dumps dust on Texas that has traveled more than 5,000 MILES from the Sahara Desert, as unbearable temperatures reach triple digits
'She was my rock and my soul': Devastated sister of 17-year-old New York girl who collapsed and died during band practice at high school posts heartbreaking tribute
Mystery of the secret Confederate submarine Hunley SOLVED: Scientists finally reveal why world's first sub to sink an enemy ship then sank itself, killing all eight crew on board
Deadliest Catch co-star Edgar Hansen, 47, admits to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl and is fined $1,653 - but WON'T face prison time due to a plea deal
'We don't tip terrorist': Racist customer refuses to leave a gratuity on a $108 bill for shocked steakhouse waiter and leaves vile message instead
David Cassidy's son Beau to inherit $1.68m - ELEVEN TIMES what estate was believed to be worth
'Murderer!': Mom of Bronx teen killed in machete attack screams at his alleged killers in court as they plead not guilty and cops reveal the 15-year-old was slayed because he was mistaken for a gang member and NOT because of a sex tape
We have lift off! Retired US astronaut Scott Kelly, 54, marries his long-time girlfriend, 44, who stood by him when he spent a record-breaking year away in space
Sherri Shepherd is sued by former Staples worker who was fired after the TV personality posted an Instagram video accusing her of racism because she was told she could not use the bathroom
Nurse, 29, is found strangled to death and naked on the floor of her New York City home with her teeth missing and her tongue hanging out
Coffee is NOT the Holy Grail of weight loss: People who drink a cup of Joe first thing do eat 10% less breakfast - but they make up for the calories later on
Nothing but Egyptian cotton, 1,000 thread count sheets and ALWAYS use a feather topper: The secrets to making your bedroom feel like a five-star hotel
Jessica Alba apologizes to Leslie Jones after comedian tweets scathing review of her Honest Company when it failed to deliver a 'diaper cake' quickly
Oregon court overrules appeal and reinstates $10million award to man whose leg was severed in 2015 after a garbage truck driver made an illegal turn

Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Declan Donnelly looks sombre as he rehearses without Ant McPartlin for first time... while Florida set is prepared for final show

By Connie Rusk and Ciara Farmer For Mailonline

Published: 09:53 EDT, 30 March 2018 | Updated: 09:37 EDT, 31 March 2018

e-mail

Declan Donnelly looked sombre as he headed to Saturday Night Takeaway rehearsals alone on Friday ahead of his first show presenting without side-kick Ant McPartlin.

As finishing touches are being put in place on the set in Florida, the 42-year-old presenter took care of things across the pond, heading to the ITV studios.

Viewers have been quick to rally round the star, with some telling the Geordie host the 'whole nation was rooting' for him, after he took to Twitter to tell fans that he was hard at work rehearsing.

Flying solo: Declan Donnelly looked sombre as he headed to Saturday Night Takeaway rehearsals alone on Friday ahead of his first show presenting without side-kick Ant McPartlin

Eye-opening: Impressive pictures reveal the stage under construction at the Universal Resort in Orlando, Florida outside of the iconic Hard Rock café

Dec wrote on the social media site: 'Back in studio today preparing your #SaturdayNightTakeaway for tomorrow night. Have a great Good Friday! D x'

Despite featuring the show hashtag, fans noticed the typical Ant and Dec emoji was missing, in light of his co-star's absence.

As he headed to the studios on Friday, Dec kept his head down and seemed pensive, no doubt deep in thought as he prepares to host without Ant for the first time.

Also seen at the studios was Stephen Mulhern, who will also appear on Saturday's show in a supporting role alongside Scarlett Moffatt.

Hard at work: As finishing touches are being put in place on the set in Florida, the 42-year-old presenter took care of things across the pond, heading to the ITV studios

Thinking: As he headed to the studios on Friday, Dec kept his head down and seemed pensive, no doubt deep in thought as he prepares to host without Ant for the first time

Suited and booted: Dec looked smart for rehearsals in a navy suit and crisp white shirt

Surrounded: Dec was flanked by the crew of the ITV show as he prepared to start rehearsals

Chatting away: The star was no doubt receiving some tips and directions from the crew

Chirpy: Dec still seemed eager to chat and was seen enjoying some time with the crew

Meanwhile, impressive pictures have revealed the stage for the series finale - hosted in Florida - is under construction.

An eye-catching blue, red and gold archway has been set up at the site, among camera equipment, ahead of the show's grande finale at the Universal Resort in Orlando, Florida outside of the iconic Hard Rock café.

But ITV bosses are said to be panicking about how they handle Ant's absence as Dec prepares to present the show solo.

A television insider told The Sun: 'Explaining Ant’s absence has been the hardest part of planning. The bosses are torn in regards to how they can hit the right tone.

Supportive role: Also seen at the studios was Stephen Mulhern, who will also appear on Saturday's show in a supporting role alongside Scarlett Moffatt

Listening intently: Stephen is no doubt also feeling differently at the prospect of a show without his friend Ant McPartlin

'They want to be respectful to people involved in Ant’s car accident, while not bringing down the mood of the show.

'Takeaway is all about having fun and they fear a sombre start may seriously effect the quality of the output.'

Elsewhere, social media is awash with support for Dec following Ant admitting himself to rehab after being charged with drink-driving.

Flying solo: Declan Donnelly took to Twitter on Friday to tell fans he was busy rehearsing the upcoming show in the ITV studios

Set up: An eye-catching blue, red and gold archway has been set up at the site, among camera equipment, ahead of the show's grande finale

One wrote: 'I'm so proud of you, Declan. You can do this and we'll all be here cheering you on. I love so much.'

Another typed: 'Happy Easter to you and Ali. I hope you both have a lovely Easter. I can't wait for the show tomorrow night. Don't worry about a thing Dec we are all behind you and you got our love and support. You will do Ant and everyone proud. You can do it Dec! Xxx'

'Looking forward to it.. take care.. oh noticed the #SaturdayNightTakeaway emoji has now gone,' said another viewer, while another fan added: ' Will be cheering you on Dec!'.

New challenge: Viewers were quick to rally round the 42-year-old, telling the Geordie host the 'whole nation was rooting' for him

His tweet comes after a new trailer for the show was released showing a snippet of Dec hosting the show without his partner.

Scarlett Moffatt stars in the trailer as an air hostess on a Virgin Atlantic flight and while she guides the passengers to look at their screens, a scene showing Dec alone on stage is shown - ahead of the weekend's show without rehab-dwelling Ant.

Taking to the skies in the well-known red uniform, Scarlett is seen running through pre-flight instructions with a number of partying passengers, yet fans will undoubtedly watch with a heavy-heart as Ant's absence looms.

Hosting duties: Dec wrote on the social media site: 'Back in studio today preparing your #SaturdayNightTakeaway for tomorrow night. Have a great Good Friday! D x'

Good luck! Hundreds of fans commented on the post to provide the television personality some much needed support

Scarlett was seen joking around as a cabin crew member while instructing the plane to remain calm, before showing just a brief snippet of Dec on stage alone.

The trailer comes amid reports both Scarlett and co-star Stephen Mulhern will have 'expanded' roles on Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend.

A source told Radio Times that Scarlett, 27, and Stephen, 40, will be involved in handing out prizes to audience members, a role previously filled by Ant, 42, before he entered rehab as a result of his drink-drive arrest.

Scarlett was originally involved on Saturday Night Takeaway as a roving reporter, surprising contestants and joining audience members on The Best Seats In The House.

No sign: A new trailer for Saturday Night Takeaway sees a snippet of Declan Donnelly hosting the show without Ant

Meanwhile Stephen presented Ant vs Dec, as well as his own segment In For A Penny In For A Grand, challenging members of the public in a bid to win £1,000.

But following Ant's 'indefinite' break from the show, the duo will reportedly take on more involvement in the live show, helping to award places on the plane to members of the public in The Happiest Minute Of The Week.

A representative for ITV declined to comment to MailOnline.

Working hard! The trailer comes amid reports both Scarlett and co-star Stephen Mulhern will have 'expanded' roles on Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend, as Dec prepares to host solo for the first time

There will also reportedly be no on-screen pranks or I'm A Celebrity Get Out Of Me Ear! on this weekend's show, but the source added this was planned and not a result of recent changes.

It was reported on Monday that Ant will make an appearance on this week's show, after producers decided the pre-recorded Saturday Knight Takeaway sketch segments will air as planned.

According to The Sun, a source said that ITV bosses decided to air the final two episodes of the mini-series, which has featured appearances from Joanna Lumley, Emilia Fox and Michael Sheen.

Having a laugh: The Geordie beauty proved the show must go on as she hit the aisles with a beaming look on her face

The source said: 'After a lot of soul searching it was decided that the final two episodes should run because viewers have loved the series and want to find out the conclusion in the final two episodes' of the mini-series.

'Obviously it means Ant will still be on the show in some form.'

It was confirmed last week that the remaining two episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway would go ahead, following Ant's departure from the show to enter a treatment centre.

In a statement Dec told fans: 'Whilst I never thought I'd be in this position, after much discussion and careful consideration we've decided that the remaining two shows of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead.

'We made a promise to take hundreds of deserving winners to Florida to watch the series finale, and we will honour that.

'Everyone at ITV and the Takeaway team feels we owe it to the audience to complete the series.'

Saturday Night Takeaway returns on Saturday 31st March at 7pm on ITV

Going ahead: Ant will reportedly make an appearance on the show this Easter Weekend, as producers decided to air the pre-recorded Saturday Knight Takeaway segment