Declan Donnelly referenced professional partner Ant McPartlin’s absence during the last Britain’s Got Talent semi-final.
As Donnelly, hosting solo for the first time in the show’s history, introduced jazz singers Dennis DeMillie and Marvin Muoneke he gave a nod to his best pal.
He said: "They’re a double act everyone loved at the auditions and now they’re back together for semi-final week. Must be nice."
McPartlin stepped away from TV commitments earlier in the year after his decision to readmit himself to rehab, following a car crash.
The Geordie star was fined £86,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to drink-driving .
McPartlin did feature in the audition episodes as they were filmed much earlier this year.
Earlier in the week, viewers were quick to praise Donnelly for his solo hosting, commending him for his "professional" approach, as he stepped out for the first live show.
"Dec is an absolute gem," one person said on Twitter, while another said he was "smashing it".
Ant and Dec - In pictures
Somebody else wrote: “Well done Dec @antanddec on doing a brilliant job on your first #BGT solo. Although Ant is sorely missed and we look forward to seeing him back when he's better, you're doing a brilliant job holding the fort till your other half (Ant) is back #BGT2018 #BritainsGotTalent”
“A lot of respect for Dec right now! Presenting the live shows alone @antanddec #declandonnelly #dec #antanddec @BGT #bgt,” praised a different user.
Britain's Got Talent continues at 9.30pm on ITV.
