[iloveTV1]

Wow, ageist much?

Bradley Walsh.... over 50 and a perfectly competent host- arguably his 50s were when he grew into the role.

Jeremy Paxman- ploughed through his 70s doing University Challenge and only really slowed down in his last 3-4 years.

Jane McDonald- a riot on the cruise shows- over 50.

Graham Norton- best chat show host in the country- over 50.

Anne Robinson- (ignoring the failed Countdown endeavours), the Weakest Link was arguably the most successful daytime quiz of all time.

Chris Tarrant- over 50 throughout the entirety of his 15 year run of hosting the world's most successful quiz show.

Schofield (recent scandals aside)- one of the country's finest live TV presenters- over 50.

Paul O'Grady- a real master of the craft- over 50 throughout his entire time hosting the POG show and For the Love of Dogs.

And if it's a case of "these were all on the older side when they started their presenting careers" (which isn't true- Tarrant did Tiswas), I raise you Davina McCall- well into her 50s and still the best female presenter this country has.

Claudia Winkleman- over 50 and her career is arguably more flourishing than it's ever been- between Strictly, Traitors, and The Piano all being massive successes.

Saturday Night Takeaway isn’t just a live programme though, it involves a considerable amount of work throughout the year which I imagine is cumbersome and testing given the nature of the VTs on the programme.

Are any of the presenters you listed carrying out elaborate undercover stunts? Racing up towers? Dressing up in oversized costumes which result in numerous tumbles and various other quite ordeals? No, they’re all hosting chat shows and game shows.

I’m not suggesting that Ant and Dec need to go and collect their P45s the moment they turn 55, but they may simply not want to put in the amount of work required for this show, and instead, if wanting to add to their plate, present a show much like the numerous presenters you’ve listed above, I.E. a Gameshow that requires a few weeks a year to film.

And, this isn’t even considering that they might want to try something new, like a daytime show or perhaps even a return to acting.