Suzuki drops Ant and Dec after drink-drive crash

The Japanese car-maker is withdrawing its advertising campaign with the presenting duo, with “no further material to be aired”.

“We agree with ITV and Ant & Dec that it was the correct decision not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend,” a statement from Suzuki GB said.

“As a car brand we recognise the seriousness of Ant’s charge.”

The company said it “completely supports Ant’s decision to seek treatment”.

“Suzuki will however continue to sponsor the last two episodes of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway with our current idents,” it said.

“Suzuki very much supports Dec and ITV’s decision to broadcast the shows and as headline sponsors we also want to support the competition winners who have won places on the plane to Florida for the series finale.”

McPartlin was charged with drink-driving following his arrest on Sunday, when his black Mini collided with two other cars in Richmond, London.

A child passenger in one of the cars – a green Mini – was taken to hospital as a precaution. She is believed to be a three-year-old girl.

Others involved were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

McPartlin’s publicist has said the presenter is taking time out from his TV commitments, while the remaining episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway will be hosted solo by Declan Donnelly.

Long-time presenting partner Donnelly said in a statement: “Whilst I never thought I’d be in this position, after much discussion and careful consideration we’ve decided that the remaining two shows of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead.

“We made a promise to take hundreds of deserving winners to Florida to watch the series finale, and we will honour that.

“Everyone at ITV and the Takeaway team feels we owe it to the audience to complete the series.”

In January, McPartlin announced he was divorcing wife and Strictly Come Dancing make-up boss Lisa Armstrong after 11 years of marriage.