Ant & Dec is the professional name of the British television presenting duo consisting of Anthony David McPartlin (born 18 November 1975) and Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly (born 25 September 1975), who first gained prominence as the pop act PJ & Duncan in the 1990s before establishing themselves as leading figures in entertainment television.[1][2][3]The pair met in 1989 at the age of 13 while filming the BBC children's drama Byker Grove, where McPartlin played the character PJ and Donnelly portrayed Duncan, bonding over their shared support for Newcastle United football club.[3][4] In 1993, they launched a music career as PJ & Duncan, signing with Telstar Records and releasing three albums that produced 14 top 20 singles in the UK, including the number-one hit "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble".[3][5] Transitioning to television presenting in the mid-1990s, they hosted shows such as The Ant & Dec Show (1996–1997) and SM:TV Live (1998–2003), earning their first BAFTA Awards in 1996 for Best Children's Show (Entertainment) and Best Sketch Comedy.[3][6]Since 2002, Ant & Dec have co-hosted major ITV programmes including I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (which ran until 2024), and Britain's Got Talent, amassing a collective 23 consecutive National Television Awards for Best Presenter from 2002 to 2024—a streak recognised by Guinness World Records as the most wins in that category—before it was broken in 2025.[3][7][8] In 2017, both were appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) by Queen Elizabeth II for services to broadcasting and entertainment.[9][10] Their enduring partnership has made them one of the most awarded and influential duos in British media, with over two decades of consistent primetime success.[3]
Background
Early lives
Anthony McPartlin was born on 18 November 1975 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.[11] He grew up in the Brunton Park area of Gosforth in a working-class family, with his father Raymond McPartlin working as a bookmaker and his mother Christine Woodhall employed as a nurse.[11] His parents separated when he was 10 years old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother alongside his younger sister and brother.[12] McPartlin attended Wingrove Primary School and later Rutherford Comprehensive School in Newcastle, where his interest in performing arts began to emerge through school activities.[11] Encouraged by his school drama teacher, he made his first television appearance as a child guest presenter on the BBC children's workshop programme Why Don't You? in the mid-1980s, sparking his early acting aspirations that included involvement in local theater productions.[13]Declan Donnelly was born on 25 September 1975 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.[11] He was raised in a large Catholic family of Irish descent, the youngest of seven siblings, with his parents Alphonsus and Anne Donnelly having emigrated from Desertmartin in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to Newcastle in the mid-20th century.[14] Donnelly received his education at St Michael's Roman Catholic Primary School and St Cuthbert's High School in Newcastle, environments that reinforced his Catholic upbringing and exposed him to the region's strong community ties.[11] From a young age, he showed interest in acting, influenced by his family, and his father encouraged him to pursue opportunities in local television, leading to early auditions that honed his performance skills before his breakthrough role.[15]Both McPartlin and Donnelly were immersed in Geordie culture growing up in Newcastle's working-class neighborhoods, where the region's distinctive dialect, humor, and community spirit shaped their early years.[16] They shared a passion for football as lifelong supporters of Newcastle United F.C., a bond that reflected their childhood experiences attending matches and engaging with local fan culture.[3] These common regional influences and personal interests in performance laid the groundwork for their later collaboration, beginning with their meeting on the set of the BBC children's drama Byker Grove in 1989.[13]
Meeting and formation
Declan Donnelly first appeared on the BBC children's drama series Byker Grove in 1989, playing the character Duncan, while Anthony McPartlin joined the cast the following year as PJ, a DJ character. The two met during the production of the show's second series in 1990, initially experiencing a rocky start to their relationship, with Donnelly later recalling McPartlin as seeming "miserable" and McPartlin finding Donnelly's jokes "awful."[17][3]Their friendship developed rapidly on set amid the shared experiences of filming in Newcastle upon Tyne, where the series was primarily shot, fostering a bond through the demands of child acting and the camaraderie of portraying close friends on screen. Off-screen, they connected over mutual interests such as supporting Newcastle United football club, including attending a pivotal Boxing Day match together in 1990 that solidified their rapport, and enjoying outings like cinema trips and exchanging a Christmas card. This growing personal connection mirrored their characters' evolving relationship and laid the foundation for a lasting partnership.[17][3]Following the conclusion of their roles on Byker Grove, McPartlin and Donnelly decided to pursue a joint professional career, capitalizing on the music-oriented storyline involving their characters, who had recorded a song within the show. In 1993, they formally formed the duo PJ & Duncan—using their Byker Grove stage names—and signed with Telstar Records, marking their entry into music and presenting. Early efforts included releasing their debut single, building on the visibility from the series.[3][18]The transition from acting to music and presenting in the early 1990s presented initial challenges, including adapting to performance demands beyond scripted roles and navigating the competitive entertainment landscape as teenagers. Despite hurdles such as building a fanbase outside the show's context, their established on-screen chemistry and gradual rise allowed them to secure presenting opportunities, like the 1994 BBC series Gimme 5, helping them establish the duo's viability.[17][3]
Music career
PJ & Duncan era
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who first met while filming the BBC children's series Byker Grove, formed the pop-rap duo PJ & Duncan in 1993 using their characters' names. Their music career launched with the debut single "Tonight I'm Free" on 6 December 1993, which peaked at number 62 on the UK Singles Chart.[19][5]The duo achieved their breakthrough with "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble" in July 1994, a high-energy track that reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and became their signature hit, later re-entering at number 1 in 2013. This success propelled their debut album Psyche, released in November 1994, which peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and earned platinum certification for sales exceeding 300,000 copies. The album blended hip-hop rhythms with pop melodies, showcasing their light-hearted Geordie accents in humorous, upbeat lyrics influenced by 1990s dance and rap trends.[19][20][21]Psyche spawned further singles like "Why Me?" (peaking at number 27) and "Eternal Love" (number 12), both of which highlighted their playful style and vibrant music videos. In 1995, PJ & Duncan released their second album Top Katz, which reached number 46 on the UK Albums Chart but marked a commercial decline compared to their debut. The album featured tracks such as "Stuck On U" (number 12) and "U Krazy Katz" (number 15), continuing their fusion of pop-rap with dance elements. To promote their work, they undertook sell-out tours, including the Psyche Tour and Top Katz Tour, headlining venues like the Royal Albert Hall in December 1995. Their music often intersected with television, including tie-ins to shows like The Ant & Dec Show.[19][22]By 1996, the duo's final PJ & Duncan single, a cover of "Stepping Stone" by The Monkees, peaked at number 11, but chart performance had waned. In 1997, they released The Cult of Ant & Dec, their last album under the guise, after rebranding to their real names amid shifting label priorities. With their record contract not renewed that year, PJ & Duncan effectively ended their music phase, pivoting fully to television presenting.[19][5][23]
Later musical projects
Following their transition from music to television in the late 1990s, Ant & Dec did not release any full studio albums after The Cult of Ant & Dec in 1997, instead focusing on occasional nostalgic revivals and charity-driven singles tied to specific events. In 2002, they released "We're On The Ball," the official England song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[5]Their most notable return to recording came in 2013 with the re-release of their 1994 hit "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble," originally performed as PJ & Duncan. The track, which had peaked at number nine upon its debut, was revived following a live performance on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on 23 March 2013, prompting a surge in downloads. Royalties from the re-release were donated to ChildLine, a charity of which the duo are patrons, and it became their first UK Singles Chart number one, selling 83,748 copies in its first week.[24][25][26]In 2022, Ant & Dec collaborated on the charity single "We Werk Together," an uplifting dance-pop track written by Ian Masterson and produced in support of The Trussell Trust, which aids food banks across the UK. Featuring RuPaul's Drag Race UK winners The Vivienne, Lawrence Chaney, and Krystal Versace, the song was released on 18 February 2022 and promoted through a music video and live appearances, including a performance on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. It peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, raising funds and awareness for food poverty amid the cost-of-living crisis. The project highlighted their shift toward event-based, collaborative music with a charitable emphasis rather than commercial albums.[27][28][29]Their musical activities remained sporadic and tied to television milestones, such as a 2024 spoof remake of their 1994 single "Eternal Love" for Saturday Night Takeaway. The humorous recreation, featuring the duo recreating their original dance moves in modern settings, was shared as a promotional video and performed live during the show's run, delighting fans with nostalgic humor but not released as a commercial single. These efforts underscore Ant & Dec's approach to music post-1990s: limited to revivals of early hits like those from their PJ & Duncan era, focused on charity and entertainment tie-ins without pursuing new full-length material.[30][31]
Television career
Acting roles
McPartlin and Donnelly first gained acting experience as child performers in the BBC children's drama Byker Grove in the early 1990s, where they portrayed characters PJ and Duncan, respectively, but their later acting credits were more sporadic and often comedic in nature.[3]Beyond their early television work, the duo made a notable cameo appearance as themselves in the 2003 romantic comedy film Love Actually, directed by Richard Curtis, where they interviewed the washed-up rock star Billy Mack, played by Bill Nighy; in the scene, Nighy's character humorously confuses Donnelly for McPartlin, referencing their frequent misidentification by the public.[32][33]In 2002, McPartlin and Donnelly returned to scripted roles in a one-off BBC special titled A Tribute to the Likely Lads, a homage to the classic 1970s sitcom The Likely Lads. McPartlin portrayed the working-class Terry Collier, while Donnelly played the more aspirational Bob Ferris, recreating the iconic episode "No Hiding Place" in a modern Geordie setting; the production paid tribute to the original series' creators, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and was praised for capturing the spirit of the source material through the duo's natural chemistry and regional authenticity.[34][35]Their most substantial joint acting project came in 2006 with the mockumentary film Alien Autopsy, marking their feature-length debut as leads. In the comedy, directed by Jonny Campbell, they played fictionalized versions of Ray Santilli (McPartlin) and his associate (Donnelly), who acquire and promote a hoax video purporting to show a 1947 alien autopsy from Roswell; the film, inspired by a real 1990s UFO hoax, blended scripted scenes with mock-found footage and received positive reviews for the pair's believable portrayal of opportunistic everymen, earning a 75% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight reviews.[36][37][38]Post-2006, McPartlin and Donnelly largely shifted focus to presenting, resulting in fewer than ten major acting roles combined across their careers, with occasional uncredited cameos in programs like their own Saturday Night Takeaway sketches. Critics often commended their acting for strong comedic timing and relatable banter, though they did not pursue it as a primary vocation, viewing it as an extension of their entertainment persona rather than a serious dramatic pursuit.[39][35]
Children's presenting
Ant and Dec began their presenting careers on children's television in 1994, appearing as guest hosts on the CITV Saturday morning show Gimme 5, where they participated in live gunging segments and games alongside regular presenters like Jenny Powell and Neil Buchanan.[3] This marked their initial foray into on-screen hosting, building on their fame from Byker Grove and PJ & Duncan music releases, with brief musical performances tying into their pop persona.[3]In 1995, they secured their first dedicated series on CBBC with The Ant & Dec Show, a sketch comedy program broadcast in a late-afternoon slot that featured original humor, audience interaction, and guest appearances, though it drew some controversy over segments like "Beat The Barber."[3] The show ran for two series until 1996, allowing the duo to develop their comedic timing through pranks and physical comedy tailored to a young audience.[40]Their breakthrough came in 1998 with SMTV Live on ITV, a high-energy Saturday morning magazine program co-hosted with Cat Deeley that combined cartoons, competitions, celebrity interviews, and irreverent sketches until they departed in 2001.[41] The format included spin-offs like the music-focused CD:UK, which aired immediately after and featured chart performances, contributing to the block's appeal with an anarchic, unscripted style full of pranks and pop culture references that resonated with preteens.[41] At its peak, SMTV Live averaged 2.5 million viewers weekly, outperforming competitors like BBC's Live & Kicking and establishing Ant and Dec as staples of youth television.[41]This energetic, prank-filled approach—characterized by spontaneous banter, physical gags, and subtle adult humor hidden for parents—cemented their popularity among children in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but they transitioned away from children's programming in 2001 to focus on primetime adult-oriented shows.[41]
Primetime presenting
Ant & Dec transitioned from children's television to primetime slots in the early 2000s, beginning with their hosting of Pop Idol on ITV from 2001 to 2003, a talent competition that revitalized the genre and attracted millions of viewers.[42] The series, created by Simon Fuller, featured aspiring singers competing for a record deal and helped establish the duo as capable leads for high-stakes adult entertainment formats.[43]In 2002, they launched Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, a live variety show blending comedy sketches, audience giveaways, and celebrity appearances, which ran for 20 series until 2024 and became a staple of ITV's weekend programming.[44] That same year, they took over as hosts of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, a reality survival series set in the Australian jungle, where celebrities face Bushtucker Trials for camp comforts; the duo has presented every series since, except 2018 when Dec was joined by Holly Willoughby, solidifying their role in ITV's reality TV lineup through 2025. Their partnership with ITV expanded in 2007 with Britain's Got Talent, a talent search judged by Simon Cowell and others, where they handle auditions, live shows, and the annual final, contributing to the program's global franchise success.[45]Other primetime ventures include Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon in 2005, a special celebrating ITV's 50th anniversary by reviving classic quizzes like The Price Is Right with celebrity contestants.[46] More recently, they debuted Limitless Win in 2022, an innovative quiz where pairs climb an unlimited money ladder by answering numerical questions, with series running through 2024 and a fourth in 2025.[47]In March 2025, Ant & Dec hosted coverage of Newcastle United's EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) victory parade following the club's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to the streets of Newcastle.[48] Over more than two decades, their primetime work has evolved from light variety entertainment to dominating reality and talent formats on ITV, amassing a loyal audience through consistent humor and rapport.[49]
Business and other activities
Production roles
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, collectively known as Ant & Dec, have expanded their television involvement beyond presenting to include key production responsibilities, particularly in executive oversight and format creation for ITV's major entertainment programs. They served as executive producers for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway throughout its run from 2002 to 2024, contributing to the show's creative direction and production decisions during its 22 series.[50][51]In addition to their work on the UK version, Ant & Dec acted as executive producers for the American adaptation of Saturday Night Takeaway, reimagined as Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris on NBC in 2015, where they were heavily involved in adapting the format for the U.S. market despite not hosting.[52] This spin-off effort highlighted their role in international format expansion, though it lasted only one season.During the 2010s, Ant & Dec established their production company, Mitre Studios (incorporated in 2011), to manage format development, production, and global sales of their content. Through Mitre Studios, they have overseen the creation and licensing of entertainment formats, including quiz show Limitless Win and comedy spin-off In For a Penny, facilitating international distribution and adaptations.[53][54]Their production efforts across these programs have resulted in hundreds of episodes, bolstering ITV's portfolio of owned formats and driving substantial revenue growth for the broadcaster, as evidenced by the significant profits attributed to their shows in financial reports.[55]Mitre Studios continues to support tied digital extensions, such as companion apps for Saturday Night Takeaway that enhance viewer engagement with show content.[56]
Endorsements and media ventures
Ant and Dec have engaged in numerous commercial endorsements throughout their career, leveraging their popularity as television presenters to promote brands across various sectors. In the early 2000s, they provided voice-over work for a McDonald's advertisement, contributing to the fast-food chain's promotional efforts targeting family audiences.[57]Coca-Cola sponsored their ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway starting in 2003, with the duo featuring in custom idents that integrated the brand into the programme's entertainment format.[58] They also appeared in celebrity idents for ITV1 from 2002 to 2004, promoting the channel's branding during breaks in popular programming.[59]In more recent years, Ant and Dec have partnered with major brands for extended advertising campaigns. Santander launched the "Bank of Antandec" series in 2021, a multi-year creative effort portraying the duo in humorous banking scenarios, which concluded in September 2025 after winning industry awards for its innovative approach.[60] Morrisons extended its endorsement deal with the pair in the 2010s, aligning the supermarket's promotions with their ITV shows to appeal to everyday shoppers.[61] Additionally, in 2023, they served as "Happiness Ambassadors" for TUI in a campaign highlighting customer service in travel experiences.[62]The duo has authored several books, blending personal anecdotes with their public personas. Their 2009 autobiography, Ooh! What a Lovely Pair: Our Story, detailed their rise from child actors to television stars, including behind-the-scenes stories from their early collaborations.[63] In 2021, they released Once Upon a Tyne, an updated memoir celebrating 30 years in television, filled with photos and reflections on their enduring partnership.[64] They later published Propa Happy in 2022, a children's book focused on emotional well-being and games, with proceeds supporting the NSPCC charity.[3]Ant and Dec have expanded into digital media, enhancing fan engagement beyond traditional television. Their official Instagram account boasts over 5 million followers, while their Facebook page exceeds 4 million, combining for approximately 9 million across these platforms as of 2025 and allowing direct interaction through posts, reels, and live sessions.[65][66] In 2016, ITV launched a companion mobile app for Saturday Night Takeaway, featuring news, videos, games like Match & More, polls, and quizzes to extend the show's interactive elements.[56] They have also experimented with digital broadcasts, such as the 2022 Instagram Live series Jungle Club tied to I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, offering teasers and fan Q&A.[3]On stage, Ant and Dec made a notable foray into pantomime in the late 1990s, starring as the leads in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Sunderland Empire Theatre during the 1998–1999 season, an experience they later credited with boosting their career momentum.[67]
Earnings and records
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known professionally as Ant & Dec, have amassed significant wealth through their long-standing television contracts with ITV. In April 2007, they signed a two-year "golden handcuffs" deal with ITV reportedly worth between £30 million and £40 million, securing their exclusive services until the end of 2009.[68][69] This agreement was renewed multiple times, with a notable three-year extension in late 2019 valued at approximately £40 million, ensuring their continued hosting of flagship shows like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent.[70][71] In August 2025, they reportedly signed a new three-year deal worth £30 million. These deals have been pivotal in establishing them as among the highest-paid presenters in British television.By 2025, estimates place their combined net worth at around £124 million, with each individual worth approximately £62 million, reflecting career earnings exceeding £100 million from presenting, production, and other ventures.[72] Their income streams also include substantial fees from individual shows, such as an estimated £3.3 million each for hosting I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, contributing to annual earnings of approximately £13-15 million per person from ITV deals in recent years.[73]The duo holds several notable records tied to their presenting success. They achieved a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive National Television Awards (NTAs) for Best Presenter, winning 23 times from 2002 to 2024, a streak officially recognized in 2019 when it reached 18 wins and later extended. This run ended at the 2025 NTAs, where Gary Lineker won the category for the first time, marking a historic shift after over two decades of dominance. Additionally, Ant & Dec have been recognized as the most-watched UK TV presenters, with episodes under their hosting frequently topping ratings; for instance, the 2022 finale of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! peaked at 11.5 million viewers, setting a modern ITV record for the show and underscoring their ability to draw mass audiences.[74]Their business assets further bolster their financial standing. Ant & Dec have invested heavily in property, owning a portfolio valued at around £10 million combined, including luxury homes in London and holiday properties in Portugal's Algarve region, though some investments, such as a £2.5 million stake each in a villacomplex, resulted in losses following the developer's collapse in 2021.[75][76] Their production company, which oversees formats like Saturday Night Takeaway, contributes significantly to their wealth, though specific valuations remain undisclosed as of 2025; these assets, alongside endorsement deals, have diversified their earnings beyond on-screen work.
Personal lives
Family and relationships
Anthony McPartlin began a relationship with makeup artist Lisa Armstrong in 1995, and the couple married on 22 July 2006 at St Mary's Church in Cliveden, Buckinghamshire.[77] They separated in 2018 after 23 years together, with their divorce finalized on 16 October 2018.[78] McPartlin married his former personal assistant Anne-Marie Corbett on 7 August 2021 at St Michael's Church in Heckfield, Hampshire, in a ceremony attended by close friends and family, including Declan Donnelly as best man.[79] Corbett, who was previously married to businessman Scott Robe, has two daughters from that marriage, whom McPartlin has embraced as stepchildren.[80] The couple welcomed their first child together, son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, on 14 May 2024.[81]Declan Donnelly married his longtime partner and former manager Ali Astall on 1 August 2015 at St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne, with McPartlin serving as best man.[82] The couple has two children: daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne, born on 1 September 2018, and son Jack Anthony Alphonsus, born on 23 July 2022, the latter's middle names honoring McPartlin and Donnelly's late father.[83][84]McPartlin and Donnelly share deep familial ties beyond their professional partnership, with McPartlin serving as godfather to Donnelly's two children and Donnelly reciprocating as godfather to McPartlin's son Wilder.[85] Their bond extends to shared family milestones, such as attending each other's weddings, reflecting a brotherly relationship rooted in their Newcastle origins. Both men have emphasized maintaining privacy around their families, sharing limited public details while prioritizing stable home lives in the years following the 2010s.[86]
Health and philanthropy
Anthony McPartlin has openly discussed his struggles with addiction to alcohol and prescription painkillers, which intensified following a kneeinjury in 2015. In June 2017, he entered rehabilitation for two months to address these issues, stemming from depression and substance abuse.[87][88] McPartlin's challenges culminated in a drink-driving arrest on March 18, 2018, when he crashed his car while more than twice the legal alcohol limit, leading to a guilty plea, a £86,000 fine, a 20-month driving ban, and a subsequent return to rehab, after which he took a year-long career hiatus from television.[89][87]Declan Donnelly provided crucial support throughout McPartlin's recovery, having encouraged him to seek help initially in 2017 and standing by him during the 2018 crisis, which strained their professional partnership temporarily. Post-2018, the duo has engaged in joint mental health advocacy, including discussions on addiction recovery in public forums and support for initiatives addressing children's mental health crises in the UK.[90][91][92] McPartlin has remained sober since completing rehab in 2018, sharing updates on his ongoing recovery, such as in a 2024 campaign message stating "recovery is possible," and reflecting on his experiences during acceptance speeches at the National Television Awards, where he credited Donnelly's friendship for aiding his progress.[93][94][95]In philanthropy, McPartlin and Donnelly have been active supporters of children's charities since the early 2000s, serving as patrons of organizations like the Alan Shearer Foundation, which aids disadvantaged youth in the North East of England, and Cash for Kids, focusing on children in poverty. They have also backed Children's Hospices UK through visits and engagements, such as their March 2025 meeting with families at Shooting Star Children's Hospices to highlight support for terminally ill children.[96][97] Additionally, the pair has contributed to Sport Relief and Comic Relief efforts, including performances and donations from music royalties to raise funds for global poverty alleviation and health initiatives. In 2025, they headlined Newcastle United's celebratory events following the team's Carabao Cup victory, incorporating community support elements tied to local charities.[26][98]
Awards and honors
National Television Awards
Ant & Dec, the presenting duo of Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, hold the record for the most National Television Awards (NTAs) wins in the Best Presenter category, securing 23 victories from 2001 to 2024.[99] This achievement includes consecutive wins starting from 2001, with the exception of 2009, establishing them as the most awarded presenters in NTA history and reflecting their enduring popularity with public voters.[100] Their dominance in the category, often attributed to their work on high-profile shows like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent, underscored a cultural expectation that the award was essentially theirs, as evidenced by Gary Lineker's 2025 acceptance remark calling it the "Ant & Dec trophy."[100]Beyond their individual presenter accolades, Ant & Dec have contributed to numerous wins for their hosted programs at the NTAs. Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway earned six awards, including multiple in the Entertainment Programme category (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010) and The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award (2018).[99]I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! has been particularly successful, clinching 15 wins across categories such as Reality Programme (2003, 2007), Entertainment Programme (2011–2016), The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award (2019–2022, 2024), Challenge Show (2018), and Reality Competition (2025).[99] While Britain's Got Talent has received multiple nominations in talent and entertainment categories, its direct show wins are fewer, though the duo's presenting has bolstered its recognition.[101] Collectively, these successes have amassed over 40 NTA wins for Ant & Dec and their associated productions, highlighting their pivotal role in ITV's entertainment lineup.[99]The duo's 23-year Best Presenter streak came to an end at the 2025 NTAs, where Gary Lineker won the award for his work on BBC's Match of the Day, marking a significant upset and sparking widespread media discussion on viewer voting shifts.[100] Despite the loss, Ant & Dec were absent from the ceremony, later expressing graciousness in interviews, with Donnelly noting the honor of the long run while McPartlin emphasized continued gratitude to fans.[102] Their acceptance speeches over the years often blended humor, humility, and appreciation for collaborators and audiences; for instance, in 2024, they dedicated the win to their families, reflecting on personal life changes since their first victory.[103] This streak and its conclusion have cemented Ant & Dec's status as NTA icons, influencing the awards' narrative around presenter longevity and public sentiment in British television.[100]
Other awards
Ant & Dec have garnered significant recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), winning the Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance four times: in 2010 for I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, and in 2014, 2015, and 2017 for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.[104] These victories highlight their consistent excellence in light entertainment presenting, with additional BAFTA successes in categories such as Best Entertainment Programme in 2015 and 2019, and Best Reality and Constructed Factual Show in 2019 for I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.[104][105]In the UK, they have received multiple honors from the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards, including TV Personality of the Year in 2013 shared for Britain's Got Talent and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.[106] They were also awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Television at the 2025 Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, recognizing their enduring impact on British broadcasting.[107]On the international stage, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway claimed the Rose d'Or for Best Variety Show at the 2011 International Television Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.[104] Furthermore, formats associated with their presenting work, such as Britain's Got Talent, have earned nominations at the International Emmy Awards, including a 2010 nod in the Non-Scripted Entertainment category.[108]By 2025, Ant & Dec had accumulated over 50 awards across various ceremonies, establishing their dominance in the entertainment presenting field.[109]
Honors and recognitions
In the 2017 New Year Honours, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were both appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) for services to broadcasting and entertainment.[110] The honours were presented to them separately by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in January 2017, recognizing their long-standing contributions to television presenting and their charitable work.Their enduring legacy as cultural icons from Newcastle upon Tyne was further highlighted in 2025, when they served as prominent ambassadors during celebrations for Newcastle United's victory in the EFL Cup (also known as the Carabao Cup).[111] As lifelong supporters of the club, McPartlin and Donnelly joined the team on an open-top bus parade through the city streets, interviewed key players including manager Eddie Howe and captain Bruno Guimarães, and helped lead the trophy presentation on stage at St James' Park, marking the club's first major domestic trophy in 70 years.[112] This involvement underscored their status as beloved figures in Geordie heritage, with thousands of fans turning out to celebrate alongside the duo.
Controversies
Professional controversies
In 2005, a vote-rigging scandal emerged at the British Comedy Awards broadcast on ITV, where Ant and Dec were erroneously announced as winners of the People's Choice award despite Catherine Tate receiving the majority of public votes via premium-rate phone lines. The production company, IPL, had pre-determined the result for dramatic effect without the hosts' knowledge, prompting an internal investigation by ITV and subsequent regulatory scrutiny. Ofcom fined the broadcaster £80,000 for misleading viewers and breaching broadcasting standards on fairness in competitions. Ant and Dec publicly expressed their dismay and offered to return the award, emphasizing they were unaware of the manipulation.[113][114]The 2007 premium-rate phone-in scandal further implicated shows hosted by the duo, including Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon, where producers overrode viewer votes by pre-selecting winners to enhance entertainment value. This affected over 10 million calls, generating £7.8 million in revenue from misled participants, leading ITV to commit to full refunds totaling that amount plus additional compensation costs exceeding £18 million overall. Ofcom imposed a record £5.675 million fine on ITV, with £3 million specifically tied to Saturday Night Takeaway for breaches involving rigged segments like the "Jiggy Bank" game. While Ant and Dec maintained they had no involvement in the decisions and issued apologies, the controversy exposed systemic issues in ITV's interactive programming and eroded viewer confidence in premium-line formats.[115][116]In 2003, during an undercover prank segment on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, the duo used blackface makeup to impersonate two fictional Jamaican women, Patty and Bernice, while targeting the Emmerdale cast. The sketches were later criticized for racial insensitivity and perpetuating stereotypes. In June 2020, amid the Black Lives Matter movement, Ant and Dec issued a public apology, stating they were "sincerely sorry" and now understood the offense caused by the content.[117]The I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! series has faced ongoing public outcry over perceived animal cruelty in the Bushtucker Trials since its inception, where contestants interact with live insects, reptiles, and other wildlife in challenges. A notable incident occurred in the 2009 series when contestants killed and ate a rat, leading to complaints and a fine of A$3,000 (approximately £1,900) plus costs against ITV by RSPCA NSW for breaching animal welfare standards. Viewers have lodged thousands of complaints with Ofcom in subsequent years, including over 12,000 in 2021 citing welfare concerns, contributing to broader debates on the ethical use of animals in entertainment. Animal rights groups like PETA have repeatedly criticized the format, calling for Ant and Dec to step down as hosts; as of 2024, PETA issued an open letter urging an end to the "cruel stunts." Regulators have found no major code breaches warranting further sanctions against the production or hosts, though the backlash has amplified criticisms of the show's format.[118][119][120]These incidents, primarily the 2005 and 2007 scandals, led to multiple Ofcom investigations and fines totaling approximately £5.755 million, but no personal charges were brought against Ant and Dec, who were cleared of direct involvement in each case. The controversies collectively undermined public trust in their primetime shows, prompting ITV to overhaul premium-rate practices and implement stricter compliance measures to prevent future ethical lapses in viewer interactions.[113][115]
Personal controversies
In March 2018, Ant McPartlin was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after his car collided with two others in Richmond, south-west London, injuring a three-year-old girl who was hospitalized as a precaution.[87] He failed a roadside breathalyser test at the scene and was subsequently charged.[121] McPartlin pleaded guilty to the offense at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 April 2018, receiving a record £86,000 fine—the highest ever for drink-driving in Britain at the time—and a 20-month driving ban, reducible to 15 months upon completion of a rehabilitation course; he was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.[122] The incident prompted McPartlin to step down from all television commitments, including Britain's Got Talent and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, leading to a temporary hiatus for the duo, with Donnelly hosting shows solo that year.[123]The arrest exacerbated media scrutiny on McPartlin's personal life, particularly following his separation from wife Lisa Armstrong, announced in January 2018 after 11 years of marriage.[124]Divorce proceedings concluded in October 2018, with Armstrong granted a decree nisi on grounds of McPartlin's adultery with their friend Anne-Marie Corbett, fueling tabloid speculation about an affair that had reportedly strained their relationship amid his struggles.[124] No significant personal controversies have been publicly associated with Donnelly during this period.Upon McPartlin's return to television in January 2019 for Britain's Got Talent, he delivered an emotional on-air apology, expressing remorse for the pain caused to his family, colleagues, and fans, and addressing the stigma surrounding addiction.[91] In subsequent interviews, the duo revealed they had considered permanently splitting due to the fallout but reaffirmed their partnership through joint support, with Donnelly describing initial anger followed by reconciliation and therapy.[125]
Filmography and discography
Films and television
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known professionally as Ant & Dec, began their careers as actors in the BBC children's drama Byker Grove, where McPartlin portrayed PJ from 1989 to 1992 and Donnelly played Duncan from 1989 to 1995. Their on-screen chemistry during this period laid the foundation for their later partnership as television presenters. Following Byker Grove, they transitioned into hosting roles, becoming staples of British entertainment television with long-running shows that combined variety, comedy, and audience interaction.In film, Ant McPartlin made a feature film appearance in The Calcium Kid (2004), a comedy in which he appeared as the character Ant alongside Orlando Bloom in the lead role as a milkman turned boxer. They followed this with their first joint starring roles in Alien Autopsy (2006), a mockumentary directed by Jonny Campbell that humorously recreated the infamous 1995 Roswell alien hoax, earning positive reviews for its lighthearted take on conspiracy theories.[36] The duo made cameo appearances as themselves in Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), adding a brief celebrity endorsement scene to the romantic comedy sequel.Their television presenting careers took off with SMTV Live (1998–2003), a children's variety show on ITV that they co-hosted with Cat Deeley, featuring sketches, music performances, and games that attracted millions of young viewers each weekend. From 2002 to 2024, they hosted Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, a prime-time entertainment program with 139 episodes plus specials, known for celebrity pranks, live challenges, and audience giveaways. They have co-hosted I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! since 2002, overseeing 25 series of the reality competition that places celebrities in the Australian jungle (as of November 2025).[126] Similarly, Britain's Got Talent has been presented by them from its inception in 2007 through 18 series (as of November 2025), showcasing amateur performers in search of a £250,000 prize and a Royal Variety Performance slot.[127]Ant & Dec have made notable guest appearances, including in the Doctor Who minisode "The Doctor Saves Day" (2011), a short comedic sketch tied to the National Television Awards where the Eleventh Doctor aids presenter Dermot O'Leary, with the duo appearing on the Britain's Got Talent set.[128]As executive producers through their company Mitre Studios, founded in 2011, Ant & Dec have overseen more than 20 television projects, including full series production for Ant & Dec's Limitless Win (multiple series and specials totaling over 30 episodes since 2022, renewed for additional seasons in 2026 and 2027, as of November 2025), In for a Penny (ongoing since 2019), and specials like I'm a Celebrity... South Africa (2023).[129][130] Their production credits extend to documentary-style formats such as DNA Journey and the retrospective The Story of SM:TV Live (2023), emphasizing family entertainment and celebrity-driven content.[131]
Music releases
PJ & Duncan, the musical alias of Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, released a series of pop and dance tracks between 1993 and 1998, transitioning to Ant & Dec in 1996. Their discography includes two studio albums, numerous singles, and later compilations, with several achieving commercial success in the UK. Key releases featured upbeat, radio-friendly songs often tied to their television personas, amassing over 15 singles and multiple chart entries.[5]
Singles
The duo's singles were primarily issued under PJ & Duncan until 1996, after which they adopted Ant & Dec. "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble," their breakthrough hit, originally peaked at number 9 in 1994 but reached number 1 upon its 2013 charity re-release for ChildLine, marking their first UK Singles Chart topper. It received further attention with a gold certification in 2023. Other notable singles included "Eternal Love" and "Stuck On U," both entering the top 15. The full list of UK-charting singles is as follows:
PJ & Duncan's debut album, Psyche, released in 1994, peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the BPI for sales exceeding 300,000 units. Their second album, Top Katz, followed in 1995, reaching number 46 and earning gold certification. In 1997, as Ant & Dec, they released The Cult of Ant & Dec, which charted at number 15 and received silver certification. These albums showcased a mix of dance-pop tracks, with Psyche featuring hits like "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble" and "Why Me?"[5][133][132]
Compilations and Later Releases
Post-1997, Ant & Dec focused on television but issued several compilation albums aggregating their earlier work. These include The Very Best of PJ & Duncan (1999), Ant & Dec - Greatest Hits (1999), Ant & Dec - The Hits (2000), and The Essential Collection (2008), which collected their top singles and B-sides. A 2014 reissue, PJ & Duncan - The Album, repackaged Psyche with bonus tracks. Additional features appeared on charity or themed compilations, such as World Cup-related releases, but no new original material was produced after 1998. These compilations helped sustain interest in their music catalog, with streams and sales boosted by nostalgia-driven re-releases.[134][135]
Other media
Ant & Dec have featured in several television advertisements throughout their career. In 2002, they provided voice-over narration for McDonald's UK campaigns, promoting menu items in a light-hearted style typical of their presenting persona.[57]They also appeared in promotional idents for major broadcasters during the early 2000s. For ITV, Ant & Dec starred in the "Celebrities" idents (three variants in 2002) and the "Abstract celebrities" idents (five variants in 2003), where they were stylized in animated or abstract forms to introduce programming breaks. These idents highlighted their rising popularity on the channel. On the BBC, they hosted promotional trailers for their 2000 game show Friends Like These, engaging viewers with playful banter to preview episodes.In the digital space, Ant & Dec launched an official app tied to Saturday Night Takeaway called Studio Rush on 30 January 2013, allowing fans to access exclusive content, games, and behind-the-scenes footage from the show. The app remained available into the 2020s, evolving with updates for interactive features. They have incorporated augmented reality (AR) filters into social media promotions for their programs, such as Snapchat-style effects shared on Instagram and TikTok during I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! episodes in the early 2020s, encouraging viewer participation through humorous challenges.[136]Additionally, their official YouTube channel, managed by ITV, has hosted specials and exclusive content in the 2020s, including undercover prank compilations, best moments from Britain's Got Talent (e.g., 2020 audition highlights), and promotional videos for series returns, amassing millions of views to extend their television reach online.[137]