Ant and Dec's "What's Next" Stumbles: A Prime-Time Miss or a Laugh-Inducing Fiasco?

In the "What's Next" segment of "Saturday Night Takeaway," hosts Ant and Dec faced an unexpected challenge. Without earpieces, they were guided by Cat Deeley through a "Dreadtime Story," requiring them to don monster costumes and act out the tale. While some viewers found the segment humorous, others expressed dissatisfaction, comparing it to children's programming.

Did Ant and Dec's "What's Next" Segment Fall Flat?

In a surprising twist, Ant and Dec graced the "What's Next" segment of their show with their presence, earpieces absent. Little did they know that they were about to embark on a theatrical adventure with none other than TV presenter Cat Deeley.

Armed with a "Dreadtime Story book," Cat orchestrated a comical performance, forcing the duo to don monster costumes and act out her whimsical tales. While some viewers relished the absurdity, others found themselves less than enthused.

"Kids TV" or Prime-Time Entertainment?

Taking to the virtual streets of X (formerly Twitter), fans voiced their opinions. Some expressed their disdain, likening the segment to "kids TV" and questioning its suitability for a prime-time audience.

"Absolutely awful...didn't sign up to watch kids TV," lamented one disgruntled viewer. Another echoed this sentiment, declaring "Kids programs on a Saturday night a joke." A third went so far as to describe it as "pretty grim stuff."

A Failed Audition for "The Masked Singer"?

Amidst the negative feedback, a glimmer of humor emerged. One viewer quipped, "Ant and Dec auditioning for next year's Masked Singer!"

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Despite the vocal detractors, the segment did manage to elicit some laughter. One viewer shared, "crying tears of laughter at ant falling over in his costume, i can't COPE."

A Break from the Takeaway

While the "What's Next" segment may have divided viewers, hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly had previously announced their intention to take a hiatus from Saturday Night Takeaway after the 2024 series.

The iconic duo, both 48, have been gracing our screens since their Byker Grove days in 1989. They have since become synonymous with prime-time entertainment, hosting beloved shows like I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here and Limitless Win.

A Time for Family and Reflection

While Ant and Dec are expected to resume their other hosting duties, Ant has shed light on their decision to step back from Saturday Night Takeaway. In an interview with Flaunt magazine, he explained:

"We do the show and then Britain's Got Talent, but on a more personal level, part of the reason we're pausing Takeaway is we need a break ourselves, and we need to spend some time with our family. We've both got children that we need to spend time with for a little bit."

A Pause, Not a Farewell

Saturday Night Takeaway remains a staple of Saturday nights on ITV1, STV, and ITVX. While the "What's Next" segment may have sparked controversy, it is clear that Ant and Dec's hosting prowess remains unchallenged. Their decision to take a break is not a farewell but rather an opportunity for them to recharge and return with renewed vigor.