SOAP fans could have been forgiven for thinking it was all part of ITV’s plans to cut costs.
Especially if they switched on their TV in the middle of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
For there was Ant McPartlin starring as a new cast member in Coronation Street.
With Declan Donnelly joining the Emmerdale regulars in The Woolpack.
But rest easy for the moment.
Despite their troubles, ITV has no plans – as far as I know – to get more value for their millions by parachuting Ant and Dec into their soaps.
If you saw Saturday’s show, you’ll know it was all part of the latest Ant v Dec challenge.

Although both former Byker Grove stars fitted into their new surroundings remarkably well.
Also drawing on their acting experience in endless Saturday morning spoofs of Friends.

Ant went to Manchester to film in the Rovers Return.
He played a character called Des Gooseberry, attempting to find out who was sending him anonymous love letters.
While Dec headed to Yorkshire to film in the Woolpack as village newcomer Tony Faith, who had just married Katie Sugden, played by Bolton-born actress Sammy Winward.
In short scenes screened on their show, Dec’s character was also seen trying to end an affair with pub co-owner Val (Charlie Hardwick) as a new vicar, played by Bobby Davro, stumbled across their secret.
While over at the Rovers, Sean (Antony Cotton), Fiz (Jennie McAlpine), Rosie (Helen Flanagan) and David (Jack P Shepherd) appeared in Ant’s specially written scene.
Along with entertainer Brian Conley as a new Rovers barman. Stockport-born presenter Yvette Fielding as a distant cousin of Bet Lynch and singer Liz McClarnon as the mystery letter writer.
A team of soap experts voted Dec’s scene the winner.
But Ant told viewers that – in his opinion – Corrie is the nation’s best soap.
And we’re not going to argue with that, are we?
You can see more pics below and here.
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