ITV Saturday Night Takeaway fans in tears as Ant and Dec return with first studio audience in two years

Saturday Night Takeaway has returned to our screens and fans rejoiced as they noticed a big difference.

Viewers were emotional to see the hit Saturday night entertainment show, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, had its first studio audience in two years.

During coronavirus restrictions, the ITV show instead had a bank of TV screens with a virtual audience.

READ MORE: Corrie star Alexandra Mardell feels the love as she's joined by co-stars at her leaving do

But the audience was back in the studio and on top form as Ant and Dec welcomed them back.

Fans watching at home flocked to Twitter to have their say.

@ThemGeordieLads said: "Just such a different atmosphere with a audience."

@NannyBobbins told the hosts: "You had me crying with joy at seeing a live audience with no masks."

@Rachesmith said:

"10 minutes in and I’ve already cried at #SaturdayNightTakeaway. Mad to think it’s been two years since they had a live audience!

#SaturdayNightTakeaway so much better with the audience."

@jd1davies cheered: "Yay so happy to see you back with your live audience … all unmasked and finally some normality."

@gallagher1aaa wrote: "Full audience, no masks, beautiful."

@ALIXJ30 tweeted: "Amazing to see a normal audience with NO masks on!!"

@BeckyIves3 said: "Ok I was in the virtual audience last year, the fact its back to normal makes me so happy."

@dangermouse87 commented: "Crying tears of happiness to see a full studio AUDIENCE for you guys after so long!!!"

And @geordiegalg said: "Actually feels emotional not just to have the boys and this brilliant show back but also having the audience back!"

Get a weekly round-up of Coronation Street news, spoilers and fan chat direct to your inbox.

The newsletter will land in your