ITV have officially confirmed that long-time presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have signed a major new contract that will keep them on screen with the broadcaster for at least another three years.
The agreement, which was first revealed exclusively in August, is understood to be worth a staggering £30 million, effectively securing the pair in what insiders have described as ITV’s latest “golden handcuffs” deal.
Under the terms of the contract, Ant and Dec — both of whom turned 50 earlier this autumn — will continue to front ITV’s biggest entertainment hits, including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, its All Stars spin-off, Britain’s Got Talent, and quiz show Limitless Win.
A TV insider said ITV executives were determined to keep hold of the presenters amid fierce competition from rival broadcasters and deep-pocketed streaming platforms.
“They remain, arguably, ITV’s biggest stars,” the source explained. “Bosses are keen to make sure they aren’t tempted away elsewhere. They’ve seen other big names launch careers on ITV before being lured by rival projects — and the last thing they want is Ant & Dec doing the same.”
Speaking about the newly confirmed deal, Ant said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be continuing our long-standing and creative partnership with our friends at ITV.”
Dec added:
“We’re so lucky to work on some of the biggest and best TV shows, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together with ITV over the years. We’re excited for the future and can’t wait to make more great entertainment.”
ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, also praised the duo’s enduring impact on British television.
“Ant & Dec’s influence on live entertainment is unrivalled,” he said. “Their partnership has reigned supreme for over three decades, and this new three-year agreement marks an exciting new chapter — one I have no doubt will deliver even more unmissable TV.”
The fresh contract ensures Ant and Dec will remain with ITV until the end of 2028, a milestone year marking 30 years since they first began working with the broadcaster as hosts of SMTV Live.
Since becoming fixtures on ITV, the duo have amassed an extraordinary 48 National Television Awards and 18 BAFTA Television Awards, cementing their status as one of the most successful presenting partnerships in UK TV history.
Earlier this year, they narrowly missed out on the Best TV Presenter award at the NTAs for the first time in 23 years, with the trophy instead going to Gary Lineker — a rare blip in an otherwise record-breaking run.
For ITV, the message is clear: Ant and Dec aren’t going anywhere — and the channel has made sure of it.
Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
