Ant & Dec
Ant & Dec is a British duo from Newcastle-upon-Tyne who work in television entertainment. The duo consists of Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. In this article, we will tell you about the history of its formation, as well as provide information about each of the participants and review Ant Dec's career.
Country | Great Britain |
Year founded | 1989 (as PJ & Duncan), 1994 (transition to television) |
Members | Ant McPartlin |
Genres | Television shows, pop music, entertainment programmes |
Popular projects | Saturday Night Takeaway, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor |
Awards | 4 BAFTA TV Awards, National Television Awards, numerous other accolades |
Net worth | approximately £124 million |
Ant & Dec's background
Ant & Dec in one's youth
Ant and Dec met when they were young, first encountering each other in 1989 on the set of the children's television series Byker Grove, which was popular on British television at the time. It was a turning point for both of them, because it was on this project that they began working together and became friends. In the series, the duo played the roles of teenagers. The project introduced them to the world of show business. After filming Byker Grove ended, they decided to continue their careers in the entertainment industry.
Ant and Dec: who's who?
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly
Ant & Dec are not just work partners, but true friends who have gone through many stages of their careers together. They are both known for their charisma, humour and incredible synchronisation. The British love this duo very much.
Declan Donnelly
Declan Donnelly
Declan Donnelly is the younger of the two presenters, born on 25 September 1975 in Newcastle, England. In his youth, the future artist played one of the leading roles in the children's series Byker Grove, where he met Ant. He began his career as an actor, but it was his transition to television presenting that brought him real fame. Dec is known for his calm, even-tempered character, in contrast to the more emotional Ant. Despite his public career, he has always been very private about his personal life. It is known that the artist is married and has a daughter. His wife's name is Alea.
Anthony McPartlin
Anthony McPartlin
Anthony McPartlin, or simply Ant, was born on 18 November 1975 in Newcastle, England. Like Dec, he began his career on Byker Grove. However, Ant has always been more emotional and lively in his roles, which also emphasises his personal characteristics. The artist's path in the world of show business was not without difficulties. In recent years, Ant has experienced several personal tragedies, including struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, which affected his career. Deca's support helped him return to a full professional life. Anthony McPartlin's divorce also contributed to his developing harmful addictions, but gradually things improved and the artist remarried.
Both members of the duo are now very successful and in demand on British television. Millions of viewers enjoy their joint work.
Career
Ant & Dec I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Ant and Dec began their careers as the pop group PJ & Duncan, and later became iconic television presenters. Today, their name is associated with popular shows such as Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Ant & Dec's success extends far beyond television — they are also known as producers and screenwriters. The friends have been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. The transition from acting and music to television presenting was a real turning point in the artists' careers.
Their chemistry, wit and sense of humour have made Ant & Dec a favourite with the public. Almost all of the duo's joint projects, from shows to television programmes, are successful and attract huge audiences.
Acting
Ant & Dec Byker Grove
Ant & Dec's career began with acting in the popular children's television series Byker Grove, which aired from 1989 to 2006. This was a turning point for both of them, as it was thanks to their participation in this show that they became known to a wide audience. In it, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly played the roles of teenagers, which made them real stars among young audiences.
Ant and Dec remained in the project for several seasons. Their roles became iconic for that time. Despite their popularity, they quickly realised that acting was not quite what they both wanted to do. It was the first step on the path to a television career.
Music
After working on Byker Grove, Ant & Dec formed a band called PJ & Duncan. Their music career was short-lived, but the band achieved some success in the late 1990s with several hits, including the popular song ‘Let's Get Ready to Rhumble,’ which later became a cult classic in Britain.

PJ & Duncan - Let's Get Ready To Rhumble
Although the band did not have much commercial success, it was this experience that gave Ant & Dec the opportunity to make a name for themselves in the music industry.
Since the 2000s, the duo has switched to television full-time, with their music career taking a back seat, but PJ & Duncan remain part of their history as a reminder of how they started out together.
Television
TV programmes with Ant & Dec
Television has become Ant & Dec's main field of activity. Since the 1990s, they have been the hosts of many high-rated programmes, and it is in this role that they have achieved real success. Their first major television project was the show Saturday Night Takeaway, which appeared on screens in 2002. This is Ant & Dec's calling card. On this show, they host competitions, comedy sketches and entertaining skits. Later, the duo went on to host I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor. Simon Cowell is also the face of the latter, acting as producer and judge on the show. Ant & Dec often work on stage with Alesha Dixon (who acts as a judge on Britain's Got Talent).
They also work with another well-known TV presenter, Kate Thornton.
Shows featuring Ant & Dec are hugely popular in Great Britain. They know how to create a relaxed atmosphere: they actively communicate with participants, viewers and colleagues, making each broadcast bright, dynamic and unpredictable.
Ant and Dec Accidental Tourist
Show | Year of | Description |
|---|---|---|
Saturday Night Takeaway | 2002 | An entertainment show featuring competitions, comedy sketches and popular guests |
I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! | 2002 | Reality show featuring celebrities undergoing challenges in the jungle |
Britain's Got Talent | 2007 | A talent show where participants compete in various artistic fields |
2004 | A music show where contestants compete for the chance to become a singer | |
Push the Button | 2016 | A game show with quiz elements, where participants play for cash prizes |

Ant & Dec Golden Buzzer
Ant & Dec have become icons of British television. They are known for their comedy sketches, their ability to create a warm atmosphere on stage, and their unique ability to hold the audience's attention for many years. Their television career continues to grow, and they host the most popular shows in the country.
They often perform in Birmingham. Ant & Dec have hosted events at the famous Wembley Stadium, such as the televised celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Lottery.
The duo also hosted the BRIT Awards ceremony.
Ant and Dec at the Brit Awards ceremony
It is also worth mentioning that Ant & Dec hosted the grand show ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’, which took place in the square in front of Buckingham Palace, timed to coincide with Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee. This event brought together many world stars, and the concert itself was broadcast on television.
The popular duo also hosted programmes and broadcasts related to the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005, as well as the celebrations surrounding the coronation of King Charles III.
Net worth
Ant & Dec are among the highest-paid television presenters in Great Britain. The duo's combined annual salary reaches tens of millions of pounds. The majority of their earnings come from participating in shows such as Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!“, as well as advertising contracts and commercial projects. Their net worth is estimated to be approximately £124 million.
Awards
Ant and Dek and their wives
Ant & Dec are not just presenters, but the real 'faces” of the British entertainment industry. Their charisma, sense of humour and well-coordinated work have created a recognisable style that viewers have come to love. Over their long career, the duo has received numerous awards:
- 4 BAFTA TV Awards for achievements in television.
- National Television Awards — more than 20 awards, including the title of ‘Best TV Presenters’.
- TV Choice Awards for best shows and presenters.
In 2018, Ant & Dec were awarded the title of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for their contribution to British culture. The duo continues to receive recognition for their achievements, and their influence on the television industry remains very strong.

NTA 2014 Landmark Award - Ant & Dec The Reaction
Frequently asked questions
Are Ant and Dec related?
Ant & Dec are not only a professional duo, but also true friends and partners in life and work. Their friendship and mutual understanding have been the key to their long-term success and popularity. This partnership has lasted for over 30 years. They met as children on the set of the TV series Byker Grove, where they first started working together.
How much do Ant and Dec get paid for I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!?
The exact figures for the official salaries for a specific season of the show ‘I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!’ are not disclosed, but it is known that Ant & Dec have signed multi-million pound ‘golden contracts’ with ITV, under which they receive large sums for all episodes. For example, in 2007, their contract with ITV was estimated to be worth approximately £30-40 million over two years, and in 2016, approximately £30 million over three years.
How did Ant and Dec meet?
The duo first met in 1989 on the set of the children's series Byker Grove, in which they starred as PJ & Duncan. It was on this project that they began to communicate, became friends and realised that they worked well together. After that, their partnership continued first on the music scene and then on television.
Who beat Ant and Dec at the BAFTAs?
Ant & Dec have won several BAFTAs, with most of their wins coming in the 1990s for children's and entertainment programmes. In later years, they were also nominated, but sometimes lost out to other shows or presenters, as the competition in the ‘Entertainment Programme’ or ‘Presenter’ categories is always very strong.
Who is older, Ant or Dec?
Dec (Declan Donnelly) was born on 25 September 1975, and Ant (Anthony McPartlin) was born on 18 November 1975. This means that Dec is about a month and a half older than his colleague.
Why are Ant and Dec wearing red ribbons?
Ant & Dec wear red ribbons as a symbol of support for World AIDS Day, which is celebrated on 1 December.







