Television presenter Declan Donnelly has marked the signing of a massive new ITV contract with co-star Ant McPartlin by making a significant property investment, purchasing his third home on the same West London street.
Property Portfolio Expands
The deal, reportedly worth a staggering £30 million over three years to the presenting duo, has seen 'Dec' seal the purchase of a third house in a row on his affluent residential road. He already owns a £7 million mansion on the street, bought in 2006 for £1.9m, and a neighbouring property he acquired three years ago for £2.25 million.
The latest acquisition, situated next door to his second home, is thought to have been finalised within the last two months as the ITV negotiations reached their conclusion. While the exact price remains undisclosed, similar houses on the street are currently on the market for around £2.5 million.
Plans for Development and a Street Connection
Planning applications have already been submitted to the local council by Donnelly's wife, Ali Astall, seeking permission to add a side extension and install a new gate at the newly bought address. The property, currently configured as two flats, is expected to be thoroughly refurbished.
This street holds a particular connection for the famous pair. Ant McPartlin previously lived a few doors down from Dec before his divorce from his first wife, Lisa Armstrong. He has since moved to a £6 million home in South West London with his new wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, and the couple are now said to be house-hunting once more.
A Landmark Deal and a Packed Schedule
The new three-year ITV contract commits Ant & Dec to the network until the end of 2028, marking an incredible 30-year partnership since they first joined to host children's show SM:TV. The deal is understood to be worth £5 million per year to each performer.
The duo have an exceptionally busy year lined up, fronting a slate of ITV's biggest shows. Their schedule includes a new series of Ant & Dec's Limitless Win, Britain's Got Talent, the return of I'm A Celebrity South Africa, and the main I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! series, which recently launched with a consolidated audience of 11.2 million viewers.
Commenting on the renewed partnership, Dec said last week: "We're so lucky to work on some of the biggest and best TV shows and we're proud of what we have achieved together with ITV over the years. We're excited for the future and looking forward to making more great entertainment together."
ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, expressed his delight at securing the pair, stating: "Ant & Dec's impact upon the world of live entertainment is unrivalled... This new three-year working relationship marks an exciting new chapter with ITV."
