Ant and Dec Launch Podcast with Personal New Year Revelations
Beloved Geordie television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, collectively known as Ant and Dec, have kicked off their latest venture—a new podcast series—by candidly discussing their surprising New Year's resolutions for 2026. The duo, famous for hosting hit shows like I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! and Saturday Night Takeaway, used the podcast launch as an opportunity to share personal goals that reflect their current lifestyles as parents and entertainment icons.
Declan Donnelly's Fitness Commitment and Dry January Challenge
Declan Donnelly, aged 50, revealed that his primary resolution for the new year revolves around improving his health and fitness. He confessed to abandoning his traditional Saturday night takeaways in favour of regular gym sessions and wellness treatments. "I've only made one resolution, it's the one I make every year. I've got to get fit and healthy in 2026," Dec stated during the podcast recording.
He also attempted Dry January but admitted to lasting only a week before succumbing to the pressures of parenting. "I was doing dry January. The clue to how it's going was I was doing it. I lasted a week," he explained, citing a particularly stressful week with his children, whom he described as "feral" during the holiday period. Dec recounted how a difficult Saturday led him to open a bottle of wine, ending his alcohol-free pledge prematurely.
Despite this setback, Dec remains committed to his fitness goals, mentioning recent activities like an infrared sauna and a cold plunge. His co-host Ant, who has been sober for nearly eight years, humorously praised Dec's effort, saying, "Wow, well, well, well done. I'm proud of you. As someone who's been sober nearly eight years, I'm very proud of you. I'm proud of your eight days."
Ant McPartlin's Vocabulary Expansion for Parenting
In contrast, Ant McPartlin has set a different kind of resolution for 2026: expanding his vocabulary. This decision stems from his role as a father to his 20-month-old son, Wilder, who is rapidly learning new words. Ant expressed concern about his own language habits, particularly swearing, and aims to find alternative ways to communicate.
"Wilder is 20 months now and he's starting to say a lot more words rapidly, day by day. He learned the word bumble the other day, which is good, it is the name of one of our dogs," Ant shared. "But he said that, and I thought, I've really got to curb the swearing. So I've just got to at least improve my vocabulary. Think of other ways to discipline him and cuss."
To achieve this, Ant has downloaded a "word of the day" app, which provides daily vocabulary enhancements. This resolution highlights his dedication to being a positive influence on his young son, as well as his step-daughters, Poppy and Daisy, from his wife Anne-Marie's previous marriage.
Background on the Duo's Career and Family Life
Ant and Dec, who first rose to fame as teenagers on the children's television programme Byker Grove, have evolved into two of Britain's most successful presenting partnerships. Their career includes hosting a range of popular shows, such as Limitless Win, and they recently signed a new ITV deal estimated to be worth around £30 million, securing their presence on the channel until 2028.
Both presenters are now fathers, with Dec parenting a seven-year-old daughter, Isla, and a three-year-old son, Jack. Ant, meanwhile, focuses on his son Wilder and his blended family. This personal growth adds depth to their public personas, making their resolutions relatable to fans who follow their journeys both on and off screen.
The launch of their podcast, Hanging Out With Ant & Dec, marks another milestone in their enduring career. Available across all major podcast platforms from today, it offers listeners an intimate glimpse into their lives beyond television. The duo's willingness to share such personal goals underscores their authenticity and connection with audiences, blending entertainment with heartfelt moments.
