Ant and Dec reunite with Cat Deeley for one-off special of hit show SMTV to mark 30 years in showbiz

Ant and Dec have reunited with Cat Deeley for a one-off special of hit show SMTV to mark 30 years in showbiz.

The dynamic duo, both 44, have teamed up with the blonde beauty, 43, to film the commemorative episode which will air later this year.     

An insider told The Sun: ‘SMTV was such a huge part of Ant and Dec’s career they knew they wanted to mark it in some way.

Throwback: Ant and Dec have reunited with Cat Deeley for a one-off special of hit show SMTV to mark 30 years in showbiz (pictured in 1998)

‘The show will look back on some of the best moments and see old guests reminisce.’   

SMTV Live ran for more than 270 episodes from 1998 to 2003 with Ant and Dec at the helm for the first three years. 

It was then hosted by Steps stars Ian ‘H’ Watkins, 44, and Claire Richards, 42, between 2002 to 2003.

Baby faced: SMTV Live ran for more than 270 episodes from 1998 to 2003 with Ant and Dec at the helm for the first three years (trio pictured in 1998)

Baby faced: SMTV Live ran for more than 270 episodes from 1998 to 2003 with Ant and Dec at the helm for the first three years (trio pictured in 1998)

The collaboration comes as Ant and Dec prepare to host this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

It was revealed last week that the hit show would be filmed in the grounds of Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, and not the usual venue in Queensland, Australia, because of coronavirus. 

A source on the ITV show previously told The Sun: ‘Producers are chuffed with the new location — they’re excited for a change in scenery this year.

Change: It was revealed last week that the hit show would be filmed in the grounds of Gwrych Castle (pictured) in Abergele, North Wales, and not the usual venue in Queensland, Australia, because of coronavirus

Change: It was revealed last week that the hit show would be filmed in the grounds of Gwrych Castle (pictured) in Abergele, North Wales, and not the usual venue in Queensland, Australia, because of coronavirus

‘The Bushtucker trial crew, who work tirelessly all year round, have been working overtime to come up with some terrifying new trials and challenges.

‘Not only will there be creepy crawlies galore, but now they have the added aid of playing with a haunted castle. They think it will make for brilliant TV.’

As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity.

It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows.

Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers.

There is no public access at all to the main building due to its substantially ruinous state, but the castle boasts 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland. 

The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner the Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924.

Legend says she is angry at her husband for taking all of her former homes’ valuables, with some people claiming she, or another spooky spirit, stalks the area in a white dress.

Some locals also believe that the spirit of a servant girl who died falling off a horse haunts the land. While others say ghosts of former caretakers have been seen around the 200-year-old castle which boasts 250 acres.

During World War Two around 300 Jewish refugees lives at the castle however it has fallen into disrepair in recent years, reports the BBC. 

Nearby: Ant and Dec will be based in a village called Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch during filming

Nearby: Ant and Dec will be based in a village called Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch during filming

The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year.  

And as the stars settle into their temporary digs, they will no longer get the opportunity to luxuriate in the daily delight of an outdoor shower, as they will now be bathing in a primitive tin tub, according to The Sun. 

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced ITV to switch locations and has resulted in major changes to production, affecting everything from what food challenges stars will do to where they will sleep during filming.

While creepy crawlies such as witchetty grubs have been a mainstay on the Australian menu, dining in north Wales will have more of a local flavour, as it’s been reported their eating challenges will include sheep’s testicles.

And longtime hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are sure to have their tongues tied when they return to filming, as they’ll be based in a village called Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch. 

Safety: The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year due to Covid-19 restrictions

Safety: The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year due to Covid-19 restrictions

Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines.

The winners title of King or Queen of the Jungle will also be replaced with the last person standing being crowned King or Queen of the Castle, as the crew aim to retain much of the original features of the show.

Despite all the changes, it has been suggested that relocating to Wales could save ITV a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to get bigger-name stars. 

Some of the stars who have been rumoured to be taking part in this year’s series include TV presenter Vernon Kay, former Strictly Come Dancing Star AJ Pritchard, Tiger King’s Carole Baskin and footballer John Barnes.  

New rules: Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines (pictured is last year's Queen of the Jungle Jacqueline Jossa with her husband Dan Osborne)

New rules: Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines (pictured is last year’s Queen of the Jungle Jacqueline Jossa with her husband Dan Osborne)