Simon Cowell praises “unbelievable” Dec after Britain’s Got Talent live shows

Simon Cowell has praised Dec for his solo hosting on Britain’s Got Talent 2018.

Dec fronted this year’s live shows alone after long-time co-host Ant stepped down from TV work.

Although the pair were seen together for the auditions, Dec went solo for the live semi-finals last week and won huge support from viewers.

Boss Simon has also been impressed, saying at the weekend: “Dec has been unbelievable. I saw his nerves in the first five minutes of the live shows.

“I could feel it for him. The night the lightning struck and we went off air, I made a quip about Ant – and in a weird way it just cleared the air. From that moment on Dec has owned the show.

“I’ve tremendous respect for him. He’s been a revelation.”

But Simon says he fully plans for Ant to return to the show next year, following a stint in rehab after a conviction for drink-driving.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Simon also touched on Ant’s split from wife Lisa Armstrong, who works as a make up artist on BGT.

Simon said: “He’s not a bad person, he’s not the only person these things happen to. Lisa is still working on the show. She’s a great girl, I felt for her.

“Ant has taken a step back because his health is way more important. I’m almost certain he’ll be back next year – and we want him back.”

Meanwhile, following last night’s BGT final, viewers have Tweeted their praise for Dec.

“Can we just take a second to appreciate what an absolute legend Declan Donnelly is! He’s done so well by himself ?? #BGTfinal,” one wrote.

“Whoever comes out on top tonight, I think the real winner of #BGT this year is Declan Donnelly. What a star,” added another.

A third posted: “Ladies and gentlemen the winner of bgt 2018 is Declan Donnelly. What an opening.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV.