EMOTIONAL Ant McPartlin gave a short but sweet speech to the audience of the Britain's Got Talent auditions today as he returned to his TV work.
Today (January 18), filming began for the 13th series of Britain's Got Talent at the London Palladium with judges Simon, Amanda, Alesha and David.
This was the first time Ant and Dec had been reunited on TV following Ant's battle with drink and drug addictions.
Speaking to the audience today, Dec said: "We've got the judges back, the golden buzzer is back, and someone else is back.
He followed up with: "My co-host for the series, would you please welcome Mr Ant McPartlin" – the audience cheered, people were shouting "we love you Ant".
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?"
Judge Simon Cowell welcomed the Geordie back to the show, he told Ant the show "wasn't the same" without him.
The 59-year-old said: "Even though Dec was brilliant, it still wasn't the same. It would be like me not being with David, I would be happy, but not happy.
"So on behalf of all of us, welcome back, we're family. (Turns to audience) You are family!"
