Ant and Dec's 'Takeaway' may not return

Ant and Dec have decided to scrap Saturday Night Takeaway after seven years, it has been claimed.

The duo chose to lay the ITV1 entertainment show to rest amid fears that its format was losing viewer appeal and becoming too expensive, reports suggest.

They are now said to be in talks for new projects with the broadcaster ahead of negotiations for their contract renewal at the end of the year.

A source told the News Of The World: "Ant and Dec have been involved in discussions about Takeaway and are working on a replacement show. It was their baby and the show they loved the most. They're really going to miss making it.

"But it costs a huge amount to make. The stunts are really expensive and in the credit crunch they can't be justified. The boys are really excited about the new formats though. They are working furiously at the moment to get them just right."

An ITV spokesman confirmed that Takeaway has not been recommissioned, but insisted that no decision on its future had been made.

The variety show ended its most recent run in March with 6m viewers - down from the 9m it was attracting in 2004.