A couple who have been foster carers for almost 25 years were surprised with a surprise appearance on Geordie duo Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Malcolm and Carolann Bullock, from Middlesbrough, were left gobsmacked after their trip to London to see a family friend perform a dance routine turned out to be a surprise appearance on the programme.

The couple, who have cared for more than 200 children,  were greeted with the revelation they were among 100 carers appearing on the show to recognise the work foster carers do.

The pair said their daughters had been contacted by the show’s producers who worked together to organise their guest appearance.

Mr Bullock, 60, said: "The producers had actually got in touch with our daughters on Facebook to see if they could get us down to the show.

"Carolann isn't the biggest fan of travelling, but she did it as we thought a family friend was on the show - when we got there, we were gobsmacked.

"But it was a fantastic day, we were treated brilliantly and met everyone on the show who were really friendly and gave everyone a lot of their time."

The couple said they have yet to choose a holiday destination following the impromptu appearance but are excited for a  "trip of a lifetime.”

Mrs Bullock, 55, said: "Our phones didn't stop with people sending screenshots of us on TV, it was really funny.

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 "It was a total shock. We just didn't expect it, it's lovely to be recognised, and even after we realised why we had been invited I was still expecting to see our friend perform!

"We are looking forward to our 25th year as foster carers and we still love it as much as we did on the first day - the only regret we've ever said we have had is that we didn't start sooner.

"Anyone who is thinking of becoming a foster carer should just go for it."