Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known globally as Ant & Dec, are the most enduring and successful presenting duo in British television history. For over three decades, their partnership has survived fame, personal upheaval, and a major scandal, cementing their status as national treasures. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-driven look at their lives, careers, and the unique bond that keeps them on screen together.
Are Ant and Dec Brothers or Friends? (The Real Story of Their Relationship)
It is one of the most frequently asked questions about the duo: are Ant and Dec actually brothers? The answer is no. They are not related by blood, although a 2019 DNA test revealed they are distant cousins. Their relationship is best described as a profound, lifelong friendship that began in childhood.
Born 18 November 1975. Half of the presenting duo.
Born 25 September 1975. Half of the presenting duo.
Best friends, not brothers. Met as children on the set of Byker Grove.
Estimated at over £120 million combined (2025 figures).
How They Met: A Christmas Card and a Football Match
They first crossed paths at the age of 13 on the set of the BBC children’s drama Byker Grove in 1990. Their friendship did not spark immediately. The turning point came when Ant sent Dec a Christmas card and invited him to a football match. That simple gesture laid the foundation for one of the most durable partnerships in show business.
In 2019, the duo participated in Ant & Dec’s DNA Journey. The results showed they carry a shared DNA marker, making them distant cousins. Despite this discovery, they continue to define themselves as best friends, not family.
Key Insights Into Their Partnership
- They are often mistaken for brothers because of their close bond, but they have no direct familial relationship.
- Both have been married and divorced (or remarried) in recent years, drawing significant public interest.
- Their music career, particularly the song Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, enjoyed a viral resurgence in the 2010s.
- Despite personal scandals, including Ant’s DUI and subsequent rehab, their partnership has remained intact.
- They are reportedly insured against each other’s death for a six-figure sum.
- Their friendship has lasted over 35 years, having met in 1990.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Names | Anthony David McPartlin, Declan Donnelly |
| Birth Dates | 18 November 1975 / 25 September 1975 |
| Ages | 50 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Profession | Television presenters, singers, actors |
| Net Worth (Combined) | Over £120 million (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Ant: Married to Anne-Marie Corbett; Dec: Married to Ali Astall |
| Career Span | 35+ years (since 1990) |
How Old Are Ant and Dec? (Ages and Biography)
Both men are 50 years old as of 2025. They were born within seven months of each other, making their age difference effectively zero. Ant McPartlin was born on 18 November 1975, and Declan Donnelly was born on 25 September 1975.
Ant McPartlin: A Biography
Anthony David McPartlin grew up in Newcastle. Before finding fame as a presenter, he was a singer, rapper, and actor. His career has seen him navigate immense success alongside very public personal struggles, including a divorce from Lisa Armstrong and a conviction for drink-driving in 2018.
Declan Donnelly: A Biography
Declan Donnelly also hails from Newcastle. He has been a consistent presence on British television for over three decades. Known for his level-headedness, Dec has frequently been described as the steadying influence in the partnership.
Who Are Ant and Dec Married To? (Personal Lives & Relationships)
Neither Ant nor Dec is married to each other. Both have found long-term partners who have become integral parts of their personal stories.
Ant McPartlin’s Wives
Ant was first married to makeup artist Lisa Armstrong from 2006 until their divorce in 2018. He later married Anne-Marie Corbett, his former personal assistant, in August 2021. The couple welcomed a son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, in May 2024.
Declan Donnelly’s Wife
Dec married Ali Astall, who was his manager, in 2015. Ant served as best man at the wedding. The couple has one daughter, Isla, who was born in September 2018.
What Is Ant and Dec’s Net Worth? (Financial Success)
Ant and Dec have accumulated substantial wealth through their long-running television careers, endorsement deals, and production company. Their collective net worth is estimated to exceed £120 million.
Exact net worth figures are not publicly confirmed. These estimates are drawn from UK Rich Lists and industry reports. The value of their individual assets is not officially disclosed.
- Ant McPartlin’s net worth is estimated at approximately £60 million.
- Declan Donnelly’s net worth is estimated at approximately £60 million.
- In 2007, they signed a “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV reportedly worth £40 million.
- They continue to earn significant income from flagship shows like Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
What Are Ant and Dec Famous For? (TV Shows, Music & Podcasts)
The duo’s fame rests on a diverse portfolio of work that spans television, music, and digital media. Their career is a case study in longevity and reinvention.
Flagship Television Shows
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! – A reality show staple since 2004.
- Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – A prime-time entertainment show that has run for decades.
- Britain’s Got Talent – A talent competition they have hosted since 2006.
- Limitless Win – A game show launched in 2022, now renewed for series through 2027.
- Pop Idol – The show that helped launch their presenting careers as a duo.
Music Career as PJ & Duncan
Before they were presenters, they were pop stars. Using their Byker Grove character names, PJ and Duncan, they released music in the 1990s. They achieved fourteen top-20 hits and three multi-platinum albums. Their biggest hit, Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, re-entered the charts in 2013 after a viral performance, with proceeds donated to ChildLine.
Other notable songs include Shout and Stepping Stone.
Podcasts and Digital Media
They launched a podcast titled Hanging Out With Ant and Dec in the early 2020s, though no specific new podcast project has been confirmed for 2025.
Ant and Dec: A Timeline of Key Events
Their journey from child actors to national icons spans over three decades. Here are the pivotal moments.
- 1990: Ant and Dec meet on the set of Byker Grove. Their characters, PJ and Duncan, become iconic.
- 1994: They release Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble as PJ & Duncan.
- 1998: They launch SM:TV Live and CD:UK, cementing their place as children’s TV presenters.
- 2002: Saturday Night Takeaway begins its historic run.
- 2004: They begin hosting I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
- 2018: Ant takes a break from television following a DUI incident; Dec hosts I’m a Celebrity solo with Holly Willoughby.
- 2019: Ant returns to TV, and the duo reunites fully. Their DNA journey reveals they are distant cousins.
- 2021: Ant marries Anne-Marie Corbett.
- 2024: Ant and Anne-Marie welcome their son, Wilder.
- 2025: Limitless Win airs its fourth series and is renewed.
Rumors, Facts, and Unanswered Questions
Given their high profile, rumors often circulate. Here is a clear breakdown of what is certain and what remains unclear.
| Topic | Status |
|---|---|
| Are they brothers? | Certain: They are not brothers. They are best friends and, per DNA evidence, distant cousins. |
| Are they married to each other? | Certain: No. They are married to other partners. |
| Did they split in 2022? | Uncertain: Media rumors of a falling out were widespread but unsubstantiated. They remain full partners. |
| What is their exact net worth? | Uncertain: Figures are estimates from UK Rich Lists and are not officially confirmed. |
The Context of Their Success
Ant and Dec are widely regarded as the UK’s most successful television presenting duo, having dominated Saturday night television for over 20 years. Their ‘unbreakable’ friendship has survived major personal challenges, including Ant’s drink-driving incident in 2018 and the breakdown of his first marriage. They have successfully leveraged nostalgia, particularly through their music, which continues to find new audiences.
The duo’s story is also one of remarkable synergy. They have managed to monetize their childhood fame while evolving into respected broadcasters. Their production company, Mitre Studios, further solidifies their influence behind the camera.
What the Duo Say About Their Bond
Over the years, Ant and Dec have spoken candidly about the nature of their partnership. Their words reflect a bond that goes beyond professional necessity.
“We are not brothers, but we are closer than brothers.”
— Ant McPartlin in a 2020 interview with The Guardian
“We’ve been through everything together. He’s my rock.”
— Declan Donnelly on Ant’s return in 2019, speaking to BBC News
Summary: The Enduring Appeal of Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec represent a rare constant in British entertainment. For over 35 years, they have navigated the volatile world of television with a partnership that feels both authentic and unbreakable. While they are not brothers, their bond is the foundation of a brand that has generated a collective net worth of over £120 million and a career that spans music, game shows, reality TV, and prime-time entertainment. Their story is a testament to the power of a friendship that began with a simple Christmas card. To understand more about other figures who have crossed paths with their world, read about the career of Danny Jones – From McFly to I’m a Celebrity Winner or explore the trajectory of another UK television star in James Corden – Biography, Net Worth, and Career Highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ant McPartlin’s real name?
Anthony David McPartlin.
What is Declan Donnelly’s real name?
Declan Donnelly.
Do Ant and Dec have children?
Ant has a son, Wilder, born in 2024, and is stepfather to his wife’s children from a previous relationship. Dec has a daughter, Isla, born in 2018.
What songs did Ant and Dec release?
Notable songs include Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, Shout, We’re on the Ball, and Stepping Stone.
Are Ant and Dec still friends?
Yes. They remain close friends and professional partners.
What is the latest show Ant and Dec have launched?
They launched the game show Limitless Win in 2022, which has been renewed through 2027.
Which is Ant and Dec’s most famous song?
Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, which re-charted in 2013 after a viral moment.
How did Ant and Dec get their start?
They met at age 13 on the BBC children’s drama Byker Grove.
Who is richer, Ant or Dec?
Their net worths are estimated to be roughly equal, at about £60 million each.
Are Ant and Dec on social media?
Yes, they have official Instagram and Facebook accounts under the handle @antanddec.
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Vanessa Cole is Editor-in-Chief at StoryNative.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, celebrity privacy and publication decisions.