Britain’s Got Talent host Declan Donnelly has thanked fans for the messages of support he has received after presenting the ITV show’s live semi-finals without regular co-host Ant McPartlin.
Donnelly, 42, has been presenting the programme on his own after McPartlin, also 42, stepped down from his commitments after pleading guilty to drink-driving.
In a message on the duo’s official Twitter page, Donnelly wrote: “Morning. Can’t beat a massive lie in and a day off! I hope you’ve got a nice Saturday planned.
“Just wanted to say thanks for all the lovely messages this week during Britain’s Got Talent, you’re all very kind! Have a great day. D.”
Morning. Can’t beat a massive lie in and a day off! I hope you’ve got a nice Saturday planned.
Just wanted to say thanks for all the lovely messages this week during #bgt, you’re all very kind! 😘 Have a great day. D
— antanddec (@antanddec) June 2, 2018
Donnelly mocked the absence of his presenting partner during Friday’s semi-final.
As he introduced the show’s opening act, The Rat Packers, Donnelly said: “First up we start with two men who are absolutely inseparable.”
“They’re a double act everyone loved at the auditions and now they’re back together for semi-final week. Must be nice.”
McPartlin had appeared in the audition episodes, which were filmed before he was charged.
He was banned from the road for 20 months and fined £86,000 after pleading guilty to driving while more than twice the legal limit.
Donnelly’s message comes ahead of the final of Britain’s Got Talent on Sunday.
Comedian Robert White is currently the bookies’ favourite to win a place on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.
Tonight's #BGT semi-final was STRONG, but Robert White might just be my favourite contestant ever 👏🏻😂 pic.twitter.com/z3n5ufw8pI
— Matt Rogers (@MattOnHeart) May 30, 2018
Fellow comedian Lost Voice Guy is listed as second favourite while dance group DVJ, who are managed by one of the members of previous winners Diversity, are also seen as contenders.
William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “Comedians are very difficult to price as clearly it will be new material on the night, therefore the safe option might just be DVJ.”
The final of Britain’s Got Talent will air on ITV on June 3 from 7.30pm .