[Keith]

I think the show benefited from taking a break the last time. It allowed for a reset to occur in terms of the features in the show, and feel more refreshed when it returned.

Knowing when to stop/pause whilst the show is at or near the top is a good thing. It gives them and ITV the option to make the break as short or long as desired.

It's something that Noel's House Party failed to do back in the 90s. Had Noel opted to 'rest' the show a couple series earlier things might potentially have ended a bit more amicably with the BBC.