Essex football club’s TV stardom as crowds flock for Ant & Dec show

20/03/2023

Essex residents were treated to a rare moment of TV attention when Billericay Town Football Club hosted part of ITV’s hit show Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

BBC Radio One DJ Jordan North hosted the party-like event over the weekend at the south Essex club’s stadium. Appearing on the iconic Takeaway Truck, Jordan arrived at the ground offering the opportunity for a place on the plane to Universal Orlando Resort.

The popular weekend show, watched by millions at home, saw large numbers of people rush to New Lodge, the home of the Blues. Jordan, a Burnley fan but wearing a Billericay Town, hosted the “buzzing” crowd of Essex locals wanting a place on the plane.

Greeting the excited crowd, he told Geordie celeb favourites Ant and Dec: “We have a fella who has left his mother on Mother’s Day night because he wanted a place on the plane. And we have a family who have left a St Patrick’s day party too.”

He added: “We also have a couple who dragged their children out of bed to get here too.”

Lucky local Nicky was the one selected to take part in the challenge to earn a place on the plane. She had been ironing before rushing across to New Lodge, excitedly telling Jordan, Ant and Dec that she had definitely turned off the iron before heading out the house.

Nicky correctly guessed the three songs – YMCA, The Twist and Telephone – to secure a ticket. Reacting excitedly, she struggled for words and simply said “Wow! Amazing! It’s amazing”.

Scroll down below to see pictures from Saturday Night Takeaway’s visit to Essex at the weekend