Ant and Dec defend Boyle decision

Boyle was a runner-up on the talent competition, and later had a breakdown, while worries were also raised about children appearing on the programme.

But Ant told the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival: "You can't start censoring people because you don't think they would be able to handle the fame and the attention as well as they should.

'Dream'

"You can't turn round and say you don't think she's going to handle it that well so we won't have her on the show."

Ant added that he himself had started out on television as an 11-year-old.

Dec added that Boyle appeared on the show "to fulfil a dream. How do you say you can't go on?"

Scottish singer Boyle became an internet sensation after appearing on the show and has gone on to grace the front cover of the US issue of Harper's Bazaar.

The pair also outlined plans for a new family game show.

The programme will involve two families competing.

In an unusual move during the session, the pair were also asked to reveal their political views during some quickfire questions.

Asked: "Cameron or Brown?", Ant responded: "Brown".

It was then Dec's turn and he was asked the question: "Afghanistan troops - in our out?"

Dec, who has visited the war-torn country with Ant, responded: "I do light entertainment," before responding: "Out", to applause.

Pay cut

Asked if they are prepared to take a pay cut in the recession-hit industry, Ant said: "Yeah," to which Dec added: "Let's not be too hasty."

Ant responded: "You have to be realistic. If the whole of the industry is suffering it would be naive to assume that we would not suffer too."

The pair also defended their TV star salaries, as Ant said: "We work for a commercial broadcaster and we are paid the going rate...

"I understand it's different and the argument is slightly more heated when you talk about stars who work for the BBC."

Dec said the pair's careers were based on a "genuine friendship".

Asked if "that would be it" if they fell out, Dec said: "It probably would be.

"We socialise outside work, we holiday together. We are friends first and foremost - that's always been the case."

Ant added: "There is no ego between us. We don't sit down counting (our) lines."

The pair said they rarely argued, and their worst fight was in a lift in Torremolinos.

"We were drunk," said Ant.