Dec Donnelly has shared one of the most emotional moments of his career, breaking down in tears as he reflected on more than three decades of friendship with Ant McPartlin in a deeply personal new episode of Hanging Out With Ant and Dec.
The touching scene, released in a preview ahead of the full episode, sees Dec revisit diary entries he wrote in 1994—a pivotal year when he and Ant were beginning a brand-new chapter after touring together as PJ & Duncan.
But it wasn’t the old diary that reduced him to tears.
It was a heartfelt letter from his present-day self to the young man he used to be.
“Dear Declan… It’s Me From 2026”
With Ant sitting beside him, Dec opens a letter addressed to his younger self.
He begins with a smile, joking that the future isn’t quite what they imagined.
“Dear Declan… it’s me—you—from 2026. Sounds exciting, right? Sadly, we still don’t have hover cars, robot servants or colonies in space.”
The light-hearted introduction quickly gives way to something far more emotional.
Reading through his old diary reminds Dec of just how uncertain life felt in those early days.
He describes that period as “exciting and exhilarating,” but also “daunting,” “intense,” and “exhausting.”
Looking back, he realizes that moving away with Ant wasn’t simply another work trip.
It was the moment they truly left childhood behind.
The Advice He Wishes He Could Give His Younger Self
As the letter continues, Dec offers himself the wisdom that only time can bring.
He encourages his younger self to embrace every opportunity, value genuine friendships, and stop chasing perfection.
One message stands above all the others.
Speaking about Ant, Dec writes that their friendship will survive every challenge life throws at them.
“Our friendship will endure through thick and thin—and by 2026 it’ll be stronger than ever.”
For anyone who has followed the pair’s journey, the words carry enormous emotional weight.
The Moment That Leaves Dec Fighting Back Tears
The most heartbreaking part arrives when Dec begins talking about family.
His voice starts to crack before he admits:
“This is the hard bit.”
He continues with advice that resonates far beyond his own story.
“Get home as much as you can. Your family have given you the best start in life. They won’t all be there forever, so appreciate every moment while you still can.”
Unable to hide his emotions, Dec then turns toward Ant with one final request.
“Say hi to 1994 Ant for me. Tell him he’s a great kid… and tell him it’ll all be OK. Even when it feels like it won’t.”
The room falls silent as Dec wipes away tears.
A Message That Means Even More Knowing Ant’s Journey
The emotional exchange has struck a chord with fans because of everything Ant has experienced over the past decade.
After struggling with prescription drug addiction following knee surgery, Ant entered rehabilitation in 2017. The following year, he stepped away from television after pleading guilty to drink-driving, focusing on his recovery before eventually returning to work.
In recent years, Ant has spoken openly about finding happiness again, describing this stage of his life as the happiest he has felt in a very long time.
Knowing that history makes Dec’s simple reassurance—
“It will all be OK.”
