Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly look delighted following a successful first day of BGT rehearsals

He returned to work with his long-time presenting partner Declan Donnelly after stepping away from his TV roles last year following a drink-driving arrest. Ant McPartlin was all smiles as he left the London Palladium on Friday with his BFF Declan Donnelly as the pair celebrated a successful first day of Britain Got Talent auditions. Ant returned to work with his long-time presenting partner Dec after stepping away from his TV roles last year following a drink-driving arrest 'It's good to be back': The Geordie star, 43, admitted to fans earlier in the day that he was ‘really really emotional’ but ‘thrilled’ to be returning to the ITV programme Time out: In August last year, Ant revealed he was taking a break from presenting with co-host Dec to focus on recovering from his painkiller addiction, months after his drink-driving charge An insider told The Mirror last year: 'Lisa has been axed to ensure his return to TV goes smoothly with no unnecessary distractions. Also appearing in high spirits following the show, were the Britain Got Talent judges, including Simon Cowell Back to business: Britain's Got Talent head judge Simon Cowell told McPartlin: 'Ant welcome back. Looking good: Amanda Holden wore a broad smile as she left the iconic venue on Friday Glamorous: The judge styled her blonde locks into a sleek sweptback bun Working it: The judge flaunted her slim frame in a tracksuit, embellished with colourful stars Radiant: The blonde bombshell highlighted her pretty features with a glamorous selection of makeup Happy: Amanda appeared in good spirits as she walked to a parked taxi In August last year, Ant revealed he was taking a break from presenting with co-host Dec to focus on recovering from his painkiller addiction, months after his drink-driving charge.