Ant and Dec’s Net Worth, Age, Height, Career, Awards, Controversies and Personal Life

Ant and Dec remain two of the most recognisable faces in British entertainment. Their partnership spans more than three decades, covering acting, pop music, primetime television presenting, and global format success. As of 2025, they continue to be regarded as one of the strongest double acts in modern broadcasting. Their journey from Byker Grove teenagers to multimillionaire presenters has shaped UK entertainment in measurable ways.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Origin Story

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly grew up in Newcastle in working class families during the 1970s and 1980s. Their early years were shaped by modest surroundings, Catholic schooling and a firm sense of Northern identity. Both developed confidence through school plays and local youth clubs long before they understood the scale of the entertainment industry.

The turning point in their youth came when Declan Donnelly auditioned for the BBC teen drama Byker Grove at age 12. He secured the role of Duncan. One year later, Ant McPartlin joined the cast as PJ. The casting decision placed two boys of similar age, temperament and humour on the same set every day. They bonded quickly and found that their personalities complemented each other. Their off screen friendship became the foundation of everything that followed.

Both have stated in interviews that they never intended to build a career as a double act. Their partnership developed naturally as producers, fans and broadcasters responded to their shared chemistry. The early years in Newcastle created their defining traits. Approachability, loyalty and quiet ambition became central to their public identity.

Career and Rise to Fame

Ant and Dec’s career can be divided into three clear phases. They moved from acting to pop music and then to presenting. Each step aligned with changing opportunities in the British entertainment market.

From Child Actors to Pop Stars

Their breakout moment on Byker Grove arrived when their characters performed the track Tonight I’m Free. The response from young viewers led to widespread demand for a full single release. This pushed them unexpectedly into the pop world.

As PJ and Duncan they released three albums and produced more than a dozen top 20 singles. Their music followed the upbeat and energetic sound associated with 1990s pop. Their most famous track, Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble, became an anthem for a generation. The song later re-entered the charts in 2013 after a nostalgic performance on their ITV show, proving its long lasting cultural appeal.

By the late 1990s, their musical momentum slowed as the teen-pop landscape shifted. Their decision to drop the PJ and Duncan branding and release music under their real names marked the end of the era. This period did, however, give them national visibility. It broadened their skill set and showed producers that the pair could handle high energy, comedic and musical roles with equal ease.

The Rise of the Presenters

Their move into presenting began gradually. After guest appearances on children’s programmes, they secured hosting roles on Saturday morning television including SMTV Live and CD:UK. Their chemistry, eye for improvisation and natural comic timing helped the shows become ratings successes.

This placed them at the centre of children’s entertainment. It also showcased their ability to work with live formats, celebrity interviews and young audiences. These skills positioned them perfectly for the next major development.

Their first major primetime opportunity arrived when they were selected to present Pop Idol in 2001. The series transformed the UK’s approach to talent competitions and became a cultural landmark. It marked Ant and Dec’s entry into the world of large scale broadcasting.

Ant and Dec’s Career Peak and Long Term Partnerships

From the early 2000s onwards, Ant and Dec became central to ITV’s entertainment output. Their hosting roles expanded to include I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Britain’s Got Talent, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and numerous one off specials.

Key achievements in this period include:

• Long running hosting roles across multiple flagship ITV shows
• Multi year golden handcuffs contracts reported at £30 to £40 million
• Establishing their production venture which contributed to the development of new formats
• Winning consecutive National Television Awards for Best Presenter across more than two decades
• Breaking world records for their award streak

Their ability to maintain audience connection across different formats made them invaluable to broadcasters. By the mid 2010s, they had become two of the most influential presenters in British media. Their partnership remained stable even during periods of personal difficulty.

What is Ant and Dec’s Net Worth?

According to 2024 and 2025 financial reporting from British entertainment outlets, both Ant and Dec have an estimated net worth of around £62 million each. Their wealth is the result of long term presenter contracts, producer fees, property ownership and brand work.

Typical income sources include:

• Annual ITV presenter salaries
• Production company profits and format licensing
• Merchandise and brand partnerships
• Royalties from earlier music releases and media reruns
• Property holdings in London and the North East

During the mid 2000s they signed one of the largest exclusive broadcasting deals in UK television history. Their earnings remained stable even during temporary professional interruptions due to personal circumstances, showing the durability of their brand.

Awards, Accolades and Industry Recognition

Ant and Dec have won some of the most consistent and well documented accolades in British entertainment.

Notable achievements include:

• Appointment as Officers of the Order of the British Empire in 2016
• Guinness World Record for most consecutive National Television Awards wins
• More than twenty National Television Awards for Best Presenter
• Recognition for contributions to broadcasting and popular culture
• Hosting some of the most watched programmes in UK television history

Their long term relevance within the industry has led many critics to label them as the most successful presenting duo of the modern era. Their accolades reflect not only popularity but also the trust broadcasters place in their reliability.

Personal Life and Relationships

Dec Donnelly married Ali Astall, his long term manager, in 2015. The couple have children together and maintain a mostly private family life. Dec speaks occasionally in interviews about balancing work commitments with parenthood.

Ant McPartlin married Anne Marie Corbett in 2021 following his divorce from Lisa Armstrong. In 2024 he became a father. Ant has discussed the importance of recovery, stability and family support during difficult periods.

Both presenters prefer to keep their home lives separate from their public roles. While their marriages and children are occasionally mentioned in interviews, neither uses personal events for publicity. Their friendship has also remained consistent throughout changes in their private lives.

Controversies

Ant and Dec have maintained largely positive public reputations. However, there have been notable incidents.

• Ant McPartlin was involved in a highly publicised drink driving case in 2018. He temporarily stepped away from television work. The case was resolved legally, and Ant issued a formal apology.
• During the 2000s, several talent show voting controversies surfaced. These involved allegations of misleading viewer voting processes on some ITV programmes. The network later resolved the issues, with Ant and Dec mentioned in coverage though not personally implicated in wrongdoing.
• In 2008 it was reported that the pair came under attack during a visit to Afghanistan while presenting a Pride of Britain segment. Accounts varied, and the event has been discussed with caution.

All controversies were addressed through public statements or formal resolution by broadcasters or legal authorities. Both presenters continued working following the outcomes.

Why Ant and Dec Matter: Legacy, Chemistry and Longevity

Ant and Dec’s legacy is rooted in consistency. Their partnership has lasted more than thirty years without interruption. Their friendship, which began in childhood, has become a defining part of their brand identity.

Their importance to UK entertainment can be summarised in three areas.

• Chemistry. Their communication style is instinctive. Each understands the other’s timing, humour and rhythm.
• Adaptability. They shifted from acting to music to presenting in response to changing industry demands.
• Trustworthiness. Broadcasters rely on them for major live events, reality shows and ratings stability.

Their influence extends beyond presenting. They helped modernise primetime Saturday night television, shaped the tone of reality competition formats and built a model for long running double acts in the digital age.

Conclusion

Ant and Dec’s journey from North East teenagers to Britain’s top presenting duo reflects a rare level of endurance and skill. Their careers evolved alongside shifts in popular culture, yet their appeal remained constant. They maintain strong public support, stable professional roles and significant financial success.

As of 2025, they remain central figures in British broadcasting. Their legacy is defined not only by awards and wealth but by their reliability, authenticity and unique chemistry as a partnership that continues to shape the UK entertainment landscape.

FAQs (One Line)

How old are Ant and Dec in 2025?

Both are 49 years old.

What is Ant and Dec’s combined net worth?

Around £124 million.

Are Ant and Dec still presenting in 2025?

Yes, across multiple ITV formats.

Where did Ant and Dec first meet?

On the set of Byker Grove in 1989.

Are Ant and Dec related?

No, they are long time friends, not family.