Coronavirus: Ant and Dec urge others to stay home on behalf of 4 year old cancer patient

Ant and Dec have made a video message encouraging the UK to stay inside in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in order to limit the risk of it being passed on to vulnerable people, including four-year-old cancer patient Mila Sneddon.

The youngster, who has leukaemia, wanted the Geordie duo to tell others to stay indoors and the pair undertook her request from their separate homes.

In a video message sent to ITV News, Ant began: "Hi everybody, Ant and Dec here, not together because we're at home like everyone should be."

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Dec then added: "Mila wants us to tell everybody to stay at home so we can protect her and thousands and thousands of people like her."

In unison they both urged: "Everybody stay at home!"

"There, hope that helps Mila," Dec remarked.

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Sneddon is staying home with her mother Lynda, while her father and elder sister have moved out in order to help keep her safe.

Meanwhile, the popular presenters hosted Saturday Night Takeaway without a studio audience for the first time ever at the weekend.

It ended up smashing its own ratings record as millions tuned in to watch the pair who were praised for their efforts in the changed circumstances.

Responding to the kind words from fans, Ant wrote in a tweet on their joint account: "Wow! Overwhelmed by your lovely messages tonight. It was a privilege to be on air this evening. Stay safe everyone. Much love to you all. A #SaturdayNightTakeway."

However, it was confirmed that it would be the last live show of the series as the final episodes will be pre-recorded.