Ant and Dec have been the undisputed kings of British television for nearly three decades. Now both 50, the inseparable duo shows no sign of slowing down. They have just signed a new three-year golden handcuffs deal with ITV worth an estimated £40 million. Therefore, their reign as the nation’s favourite presenting double act continues .
From their humble beginnings as child actors on Byker Grove to navigating Ant’s well-documented health struggles, their friendship has weathered every storm. As a result, they have earned a place in the hearts of millions and a combined net worth of around $150 million .
The Story of Ant and Dec
Anthony McPartlin (Ant) and Declan Donnelly (Dec) were both born in 1975 in Newcastle upon Tyne. They first met as teenagers on the set of the BBC children’s drama Byker Grove in the late 1980s, playing friends PJ & Duncan, a path that would prove prophetic .
After a brief but successful pop career under their character names PJ & Duncan, they transitioned to presenting. They fronted the Saturday morning show CD:UK with Cat Deeley before finding their true calling. The rest, as they say, is television history .
Like Avicii once dominated the music charts, Ant and Dec have dominated the TV ratings for decades.
Their Biggest TV Triumphs
The duo have hosted some of the biggest shows on British television.
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! – They have hosted every single series since it began in 2002, becoming synonymous with the jungle.
- Britain’s Got Talent – They have been the faces of the talent show since 2007 .
- Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – This high-energy variety show ran for over 20 years before ending in 2024 .
- Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win – Their latest quiz show hit, returning for a festive special in December 2025 .
Like Rebecca Sarker, they have become household names through consistent, high-quality work on long-running shows.
Ant and Dec Net Worth
Ant and Dec net worth is estimated at a staggering combined $150 million (£62 million). Estimates place their individual fortunes between $20 million and $35 million each, making them the highest-paid presenters on UK television .
In early 2025, the pair signed a new £40 million “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV. This three-year contract covers their work on I’m a Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win. Their annual income is estimated at around $20 million .
Ant recently sold his seven-bedroom London mansion for £6 million after a planning dispute with neighbours. The couple reportedly moved out for “family reasons” rather than the planning issues .
The One Big Argument
In January 2026, Ant and Dec launched their first podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. In the first episode, they revealed the only time they have ever had a serious fight. The cause? A game of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire .
Dec recalled a tense night where Ant, acting as the quizmaster, used the 50-50 lifeline in a way he felt was “vindictive.” The argument escalated, and Dec packed up the board game and went home. Ant insisted his hosting style was simply “clever” and no different from what Chris Tarrant would have done .
The story delighted fans, highlighting a surprisingly mundane reason for a rift between the lifelong friends.
Family Lives: Wives and Children
Both Ant and Dec have started families, which has changed their dynamic off-screen. They now admit they “don’t hang out as much as we used to” .
Ant McPartlin married his former personal assistant Anne-Marie Corbett in 2021. He proposed to her on Christmas Eve 2020. He is stepfather to her daughters, Poppy, 19, and Daisy, 17, from her previous marriage. They welcomed their first son, Wilder, in May 2024 .
Declan Donnelly married Ali Astall, his former manager, in 2015. The couple have two children: Isla, seven, and Jack, three. He also has a beloved Dachshund named Rocky .
Ant and Dec have famously never spent a Christmas together. They both prioritise time with their young families over working colleagues .
Like the cast of Death in Paradise, their on-screen partnership is built on genuine off-screen friendship.
Ant’s Health Battle and Sobriety
In 2018, Ant stepped back from television after a second drink-driving arrest. He returned to rehab to seek treatment for alcohol and prescription drug addiction. Dec famously presented the final episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway alone, telling the audience the series had been “tinged with sadness.” The studio audience gave Ant a round of applause after the cameras stopped .
Since that difficult period, Ant has been open about his sobriety. He has credited his wife Anne-Marie and his best friend Dec for saving his life. He returned to the jungle later that year, and the partnership has been stronger than ever since .
What’s Next for Ant and Dec?
With a fresh three-year contract signed, the future is bright. I’m a Celebrity returns each autumn. A new series of Britain’s Got Talent is on the way. They have also hinted at new projects for their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, which has been a success with fans eager for a more personal glimpse into their lives.
As they celebrate turning 50, Ant and Dec show no signs of slowing down. They remain the bankable, beloved faces of ITV’s entertainment line-up. The kingpins of Saturday night telly are staying exactly where they belong .
FAQs
How old are Ant and Dec?
Both were born in 1975. Ant’s birthday is November 18, and Dec’s is September 25. They are both 50 as of 2025/2026.
What is Ant and Dec net worth?
Their combined net worth is estimated at around $150 million (£62 million), making them the UK’s highest-paid television presenters.
Are Ant and Dec still friends?
Yes, they remain incredibly close friends. They have launched a podcast together, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, to spend more time together amidst their busy family lives.
Who is Ant McPartlin married to?
Ant is married to Anne-Marie Corbett. The couple wed in 2021 and have a son named Wilder (born 2024).
Who is Dec Donnelly married to?
Dec is married to Ali Astall, his former manager. They married in 2015 and have two children, Isla and Jack.
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