Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known simply as Ant and Dec, are two of the most iconic and beloved television personalities in the UK. Over the years, they have established themselves as a powerhouse duo in British entertainment, thanks to their impeccable on-screen chemistry and versatile hosting skills. As of 2024, the Ant and Dec net worth is estimated to be a whopping £62 million.
This mind-blowing fortune has been accumulated through a variety of TV hosting gigs, production deals, and brand endorsements. Their success spans decades, with the duo enjoying consistent popularity since their debut on children’s television. But how exactly did Ant and Dec build such an extraordinary net worth, and what are the key factors behind their sustained financial success? Let’s dive in to explore the journey that led to their millions.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly first rose to prominence in the early 1990s on the popular children’s drama Byker Grove, where they played the roles of PJ and Duncan. What started as an acting job soon led to a musical career, with the duo releasing several singles under the same character names. However, it wasn’t until they transitioned into television presenting that Ant and Dec truly found their niche. They quickly became known for their charismatic hosting style and comedic timing, which made them household names.
The duo’s breakthrough as presenters came with shows like SM Live and CD, but it was their work on major entertainment programs like Pop Idol, Britain’s Got Talent, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! that cemented their place as Britain’s go-to presenters. Their careers skyrocketed, bringing with it incredible wealth.
Ant and Dec Bio Data Table
Below is a quick look at the essential information about Ant and Dec’s personal lives and professional achievements:
| Category | Ant McPartlin | Declan Donnelly |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony David McPartlin | Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1975 | September 25, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
| Net Worth (2024) | £31 million (individually) | £31 million (individually) |
| Profession | TV Presenter, Producer, Actor | TV Presenter, Producer, Actor |
| Notable Shows | I’m a Celebrity, Saturday Night Takeaway, BGT | I’m a Celebrity, Saturday Night Takeaway, BGT |
| Spouse | Anne-Marie Corbett (married 2021) | Ali Astall (married 2015) |
| Children | 1 Son (Wilder) 2 step daughters | 1 Daughter (Isla) 1 Son (Jack) |
| Debut Show | Byker Grove (1989-1993) | Byker Grove (1989-1993) |
| Breakthrough as Presenters | SM Live (1998-2003) | SM Live (1998-2003) |
| Major Awards | 43 National Television Awards, BAFTAs | 43 National Television Awards, BAFTAs |
| Link to Biography | The Biography | The Biography |
Career Highlights and Earnings
Early TV Presenting Success
Ant and Dec’s foray into television presenting began with children’s shows, but their real financial breakthrough came when they started hosting Pop Idol in the early 2000s. Their witty commentary, chemistry, and likeability made them fan favourites. Pop Idol was a massive success, and it allowed Ant and Dec to command higher fees for their roles on other TV programs.
As of today, their work as hosts of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! remains a significant source of income. These shows have consistently high ratings, and Ant and Dec reportedly earn over £3 million annually just from their roles on BGT alone. Their long-standing contract with ITV is estimated to be worth around £40 million, with renewals keeping their earnings steady.
Saturday Night Takeaway and Other Projects
Ant and Dec are also the creators and hosts of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, one of ITV’s most popular prime-time programs. The show, which first aired in 2002, combines live segments, celebrity pranks, and audience interaction, and it has become a key part of British weekend television.
This flagship programme has been a huge financial success, both for the network and for Ant and Dec, reportedly earning them £1.5 million per season. Additionally, they have hosted shows like Red or Black? and Text Santa, further adding to their earnings. These television gigs have been accompanied by lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Morrisons and Santander, significantly boosting their overall net worth.
Production Company and Investments
In 2006, Ant and Dec co-founded their own production company, Mitre Television, allowing them to not only star in shows but also produce and control their own content. This entrepreneurial move gave them more leverage in negotiations and allowed them to expand their wealth beyond hosting gigs. The production company is behind some of their most popular shows, including Saturday Night Takeaway, and it has been instrumental in growing their net worth.
Outside of television, both Ant and Dec have invested in properties and businesses, further diversifying their portfolio. Ant, for instance, owns several luxurious properties in London and surrounding areas, while Dec has also made substantial real estate investments.
Personal Lives and Philanthropy
Despite their immense success, Ant and Dec have maintained relatively private personal lives. Ant has been open about his struggles with addiction, which led to a brief hiatus from television in 2018. His return, however, was well-received, and he continues to work alongside Dec. Dec, on the other hand, married his long-term partner, Ali Astall, in 2015, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2018.
Both Ant and Dec are also known for their charitable work. They have been active supporters of causes like Childline and have participated in fundraising events for Comic Relief and other notable charities. Their commitment to philanthropy reflects their down-to-earth personalities despite their incredible wealth.
What the Future Holds for Ant and Dec
With decades of success behind them and a consistent presence in British media, Ant and Dec show no signs of slowing down. Their renewed ITV contracts and future plans for more television projects will likely see their net worth grow even further in the coming years.
Though they are already incredibly wealthy, their strong partnership, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit ensure that Ant and Dec will remain at the top of the UK entertainment industry for years to come.
