Ant said he was feeling “really emotional” as Dec Donnelly introduced him on stage.
He told the audience: “I’ve missed you all. As for you [Dec], I’ve missed you. Thank you very much, what a warm welcome.
“What a great show to come back to, I’m thrilled, I’m over the moon. Shall we move on before I cry?”
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ returns to ITV in the spring.