Saturday Night 'Take a break': Dec to host the show alone

Dec will solo host the show for the first time since it began in 2002 Credit: ITV Studios

Declan Donnelly has announced he will will host Saturday Night Takeaway alone when the show returns on March 31.

The news comes after his co-host and best-friend Ant McPartlin returned to rehab, ITV has confirmed.

Ant, 42, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in south-west London on Sunday, sparking his decision to go back into treatment and to step down from his current TV commitments.

A spokesman for ITV said on Wednesday:

The Geordie duo have co-hosted the show since 2002 Credit: ITV Studios

Declan Donnelly wrote on his and McPartlin's shared Twitter account:

Meanwhile, Ant McPartlin has been interviewed by police, following his arrest on suspicion of drink-driving.

The star, 42, who was pictured outside Kingston police station, was released under investigation.