Simon Cowell is set to be "gunned down" on 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway'.
Simon Cowell
The 56-year-old music mogul was approached by the presenting duo to do the skit, which will see Simon host a birthday party with his celebrity pals - including Caroline Flack, Olly Murs, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan - but the festivities take a turn for the worse when a mystery guest pulls out a gun and deliberately shoots him.
An insider said: "There are a lot of stars who have had run-ins with Cowell over the years - but who would have a grudge big enough to want to shoot him? That is the tantalising premise of the sketch. It was Ant and Dec's idea and they put it to Cowell who thought it was great fun."
Parts of the sketch were filmed on Monday (01.02.16) and also features former 'X Factor' judge Louis Walsh, who was dropped form the panel in 2014, and Simon's former lover Sinitta, while Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and the talent show's former host Dermot O'Leary couldn't make the gig.
A source explained to The Sun newspaper: "Everyone really got into the spirit of it during filming on Monday night.
"There were a few notable absences such as Cheryl and Dermot but it is hoped they might be able to take part before it airs at the end of the month."
'Saturday Night Takeaway' is set to return to its prime-time slot on ITV later this month.
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