As Ant steps out alone, we look at his funniest moments in 29 years on screen with Dec

NEXT week the unimaginable will happen on our TV screens – Dec will appear without Ant.

The best friends have been at each other’s side for every single one of their thousands of TV episodes dating back to 1989.

For nearly 30 years now Ant and Dec have been appearing on our screens together and only ever together, now 2018 will mark the first time Dec will have to present alone

But troubled Ant, 42, cancelled all his forthcoming telly commitments following his drink-driving charge this week, to focus on his health.

So while tomorrow’s episode of Saturday Night Takeaway has been cancelled, Dec, also 42, will be back the following week, flying solo.

As fans prepare for something they never expected to see, we look back at the double-act’s greatest moments, silliest stunts – and some very dodgy hairstyles.

1989 – Byker Grove, as PJ and Duncan

Puppy-faced mates the year they met on the kids’ drama – in days before Ant was always on the left

1996 – Winter Garden Opera House

Pop-star years have clearly gone to Ant’s head on this expedition to Blackpool

1998 – SMTV CD:UK Programme

Lads’ first show for ITV is a huge Saturday morning hit

2001 – National TV Awards

First Best Presenter gong, which the pair has won every single year since

2002 – Saturday Night Takeaway show

Debut of their mega-hit – and a chance to dress up as Corrie’s Deirdre and Ken Barlow

2002 – I’m a Celebrity, Get me out of here

The year it all begins, when they and the world get to see vegetarian psychic Uri Geller eat maggots

2005 – ITV 50th Anniversary of the Queen’s Visit

Monarch seems to snub Jeremy Irons in favour of the duo, even though Dec has not brushed his hair

2006 – Ant Versus Dec in Sumo outfits

Competitive side – and chest hair – comes out in regular Takeaway slot

2009 – Saturday Night Takeaway show

Later in this skit in the Christmas special, The Penguin turns up – played by Gary Lineker

2010 – BAFTA Awards

Finally scooping their first Baftas, the sixth time they had been nominated

2001 – Text Santa

Lycra’d up to front first of the charity appeals they would host for five years

2012 – I’m a celebrity, Get me out of here

Losing it during a Bushtucker Trial in which darts ace Eric Bristow shouts his trousers are “ruined”

2017 – Buckingham Palace

Getting matching OBEs in matching suits in a career high

2018 – Saturday Night Breakaway

Dec will be without his mate when Takeaway returns on March 31