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Ant and Dec embrace on full TV return

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Ant McPartlin has made an emotional return to TV in the new series of Britain's Got Talent.

Saturday's episode was his first full show since stepping down from on-screen commitments last year following a drink-driving conviction.

In the ITV variety show, a teary McPartlin was hugged by his co-presenter Declan Donnelly during a musical performance by schoolchildren.

The episode was watched live by an estimated 8.07 million viewers.

That means it is the most-watched show of 2019 so far, according to overnight figures, overtaking the opening episode of the BBC's Line of Duty, which was seen by 7.8 million viewers last week.

Saturday's Britain's Got Talent was McPartlin's first time back on presenting duties, around eight months after taking time out from showbiz to seek help for addiction.

The pair did actually appear together again on our screens earlier this year during the National Television Awards, where they gave a winners speech via video, during live BGT auditions at a packed London Palladium.

Paying tribute to his friend and co-presenter, McPartlin said at the time: "I really don't feel like I can accept this award this year - the one reason we've won the award this year is because of this guy.

"His hard work, dedication, wit, funniness and being the best mate there is out there, I love you man - thank you."

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Holly Willoughby stepped into McPartlin's shoes to join Donnelly in presenting the last series of I'm A Celebrity... last year.

Now, as well as the official return of the Geordie double act, Saturday evening's show will see judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams all return too, to give their verdicts on a range of wannabe performers at the Palladium and The Lowry in Manchester.

It all begins with McPartlin and Donnelly in a skit which will see them jump into a taxi to the London venue, with McPartlin declaring: "Right, let's get on with the show."

The comedy duo postponed this year's series of their own show, Saturday Night Takeaway, and it's not due to return until 2020, ITV confirmed in August.

Britain's Got Talent is on ITV on Saturday at 19:45 BST

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