Ant and Dec's surprise prize live on Saturday Night Takeaway for Northamptonshire care home manager

A Northamptonshire mum-of-three admits was shocked to be honoured by Ant and Dec live on TV for her sacrifice in keeping care home residents safe during the pandemic.

Millions of viewers watched Becky Williams get a dream 'Takeaway Getaway' holiday from the telly superstars during last weekend's Saturday Night Takeaway after being tricked by her husband Terence into joining the 'virtual audience' from their front room sofa.

The care home manager swapped her family home to live at work and avoid risking passing on coronavirus to vulnerable residents.

Host Declan Donnelly told her: "You had to move into the care home where you work and leave behind your husband and three children to keep the residents safe — do we think you deserve some family time."

Before testing was widely available, Becky and a team of 12 staff members lived at The Lakes at Duncote Hall, near Towcester — a purpose-built care home for people living with dementia — to avoid the risk of passing on the virus.

Terence, teenagers TJ and Andre, and 12-year-old Harvey — who all had to do without her for months during the last 12 months — wrote to tell the telly stars all about it.

Becky, who has worked in the care sector for 20 years, said: “I was under the impression we were joining in the show as virtual viewers, so I was totally surprised and touched to find out that my husband and children had thought to nominate me.

“The last year has been a real challenge for the care sector but we’ve been determined to do whatever is needed to protect our residents.

“I’m delighted to have won the holiday and now we’re trying to choose which country to visit. I’d love for my children to experience the culture of the Caribbean so that’s my preference.”

Last month, Adele Aldridge from Daventry confessed she couldn't wait to head off "somewhere warrm" after scooping a dozen top prizes including a holiday and a new car on the ITV show by answering correctly in the Win the Ads quiz segment.