Amanda Holden has hinted she may step in for Ant McPartlin on the 'Britain's Got Talent' live shows, but insisted he "will be missed".

Amanda Holden at the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards

Amanda Holden at the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards

Amanda admitted the show won't be the same for her and her fellow judges, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams without the TV presenter - who recently admitted to having "alcohol and emotional issues" after being convicted of drink-driving - but she has backed his co-host Declan Donnelly to do a "sterling job".

Speaking to BANG Showbiz backstage at the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday (13.05.18), she said: "I think he will be missed but I think Dec will do a sterling job."

Amanda hinted she and Alesha could stand in for Ant to co-host some of the 'BGT' presenting segments if required, and joked she likes the sound of "Mand and Dec".

She said: "Alesha and I are on hand to step in.

"Mand and Dec has a good ring to it actually."

Ant wasn't present at last night's TV BAFTAs to see 'BGT' pick up the Entertainment Programme prize, but Alesha admitted she is "so proud" to be a part of the programme.

She said: "This is the best, feel-good show we have on TV. You can watch it with your whole family, it's heart-warming. It's cosy, it's light-hearted.

"There are so many things going on in the world that are heavy but you put on our show, it makes you smile, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry sometimes. It's escapism.

"It doesn't take itself too seriously, it doesn't discriminate against anyone. We're so proud to be a part of it, we're so happy for the producers, who do all the real work, let's be honest."

'BGT' beat off competition from 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' to scoop the gong, but Dec stayed out of the spotlight as he took to the stage with the other 'BGT' crew to collect the accolade.