Yahoo News Ant McPartlin struggles to hold back tears as he returns to BGT
Ant McPartlin made his return to Britain's Got Talent today (January 18) as the audition process got underway at the London Palladium.
The 43-year-old Geordie presenter has been eager to return to his role since he stepped away from his presenting commitments with presenting partner Declan Donnelly after being fined £86,000 and banned from driving for 20 months following the crash. Today, he struggled to hold back tears on stage.
Introducing his long-time collaborator, Dec told the packed-out venue's crowd: "We've got the judges back, the golden buzzer is back, and someone else is back. My co-host for the series, would you please welcome... Mr Ant McPartlin."
Stepping into view, Ant said: "Hello everyone. Oh god, I'm really really emotional now. I've missed you all. As for you [pointing at Dec], I've missed you. Thank you very much, what a warm welcome.
"What a great show to come back to, I'm thrilled, I'm over the moon. Shall we move on before I cry?."
Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell lauded Ant even further, adding: "Ant welcome back. We missed you, it wasn't the same. I mean even though Dec was brilliant, it still wasn't the same.
"It would be like me not being with David [Walliams], I would be happy, but not happy - if that makes sense. So on behalf of all of us, welcome back, we're family."
Britain's Got Talent is expected to return on ITV this April.
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