Saturday Night Takeaway fans fuming as Ant and Dec reveal show will be taken off air

SATURDAY Night Takeaway fans were left fuming as Ant and Dec announced that the show is OFF next week.

The pair broke the news to fans live on air tonight explaining that ITV had opted to air the rugby instead.

They explained to the assembled crew on the live TV hit that they would be getting a break next week – and it was news to many fans.

He said: “You may have heard, some of you, that there is no show next week because of the rugby.”

To audible groans Dec, 46, added: “I know. It’s sad.”

One viewer tweeted: “What do you mean there’s no show next week because of the rugby, why can we not have nice things.”

Another viewer fumed, saying ITV could air it on one of its other four networks, writing: “Why don’t they put rugby on another f**king channel.”

A third posted: “THERE IS NO SHOW NEXT WEEK? OMG I AM FUMING.”

ITV revealed earlier this month that Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and the Starstruck final have both been postponed next week to make way for a rugby double-header.

Ireland will take on Scotland from 4.45pm on March 19 before France and England go head to head at 8pm.

It means fans of both the blockbuster entertainment shows will have to wait another week for their fill.

The bumper sporting weekend also sees the Dancing On Ice final disrupted on Sunday, March 20 as it makes way for the FA Cup quarter final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

All three ITV shows have proved immensely popular this year with Ant & Dec on sparkling form now they have been reunited with their live audience.

Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice is having arguably its strongest performances ever and Starstruck is emerging as Saturday night TV gold.

Earlier in tonight’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Ant and Dec explained that they were wrapping up Fleur East’s Chase The Rainbow feature for the series.

Dec Donnelly said: “For the last time this series we’re going to chase the rainbow.”