In a hilarious turn of events on their debut podcast, Ant McPartlin left his longtime presenting partner Declan Donnelly in absolute hysterics by suddenly attempting to break a bizarre world record. During the latest episode of Hanging Out With Ant & Dec, Ant revealed he would be trying to smash the official Guinness World Record for speed eating bananas right then and there, with an official adjudicator present to verify the attempt.
Banana Bonanza Causes Podcast Pandemonium
Both television personalities, aged 50, were recording their podcast when Ant dropped the surprising news about his unusual culinary challenge. Dec, who is known to be a massive fan of the Guinness Book of Records, could barely contain his laughter as the reality of the situation sank in. The official adjudicator named Will explained the strict rules that Ant would need to follow to have any chance of success.
The current record stands at consuming eight whole bananas in just sixty seconds, with the additional requirement that the challenger must show their empty mouth after each individual banana. Ant immediately quipped that the experience felt reminiscent of their hit show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, drawing parallels to the famous bushtucker trials.
Nerves and Laughter as the Clock Ticks
As Ant lined up the substantial pile of fruit before him, Dec strained his neck from laughing so uncontrollably at the absurd spectacle. However, the gravity of the challenge soon became apparent to Ant, who began showing visible nerves as the moment of truth approached. He admitted to sweating profusely and complained that his throat was becoming uncomfortably constricted at the mere thought of swallowing so much fruit in such a short timeframe.
The podcast episode, which features this memorable segment, will be released on Monday, February 2nd, leaving listeners in suspense about whether Ant actually managed to break the unusual world record. Fans will need to tune in to discover the outcome of this fruity feat.
Behind the Scenes of Britain's Got Talent Turmoil
In a separate revelation during the same podcast recording, the iconic presenting duo opened up about nearly walking away from their long-running role on Britain's Got Talent following persistent backstage issues. The primary point of contention was head judge Simon Cowell's notorious habit of arriving late to recordings, which had created significant friction behind the scenes.
The pair explained that they reached a breaking point in 2012 when they felt their roles on the show were diminishing despite the considerable time commitment required. This frustration culminated in a dramatic transatlantic meeting where Ant and Dec flew to Los Angeles specifically to confront Cowell about their grievances.
A Make-or-Break Meeting in Los Angeles
During their candid conversation at a restaurant in LA, the presenters delivered an ultimatum to the music mogul. They expressed their dissatisfaction with being featured less frequently on the programme and questioned whether they should continue their involvement or pursue other opportunities that would make better use of their talents.
Ant recalled that Cowell listened intently to their complaints for what felt like four or five cigarettes worth of time before responding. The head judge made a firm promise to reform his behavior and ensure the presenters would have a more substantial and enjoyable role moving forward.
Dec added the memorable detail that Cowell leaned across the restaurant table and began tickling him while declaring, "You will never leave me." This unusual display of affection helped mend the professional relationship, with Cowell keeping his word about improving punctuality and increasing their screen presence.
New Podcast Venture Takes Center Stage
The banana eating challenge forms part of the duo's exciting new podcast venture, which launched earlier this month to considerable fan interest. Hanging Out With Ant & Dec releases new episodes every Thursday, with additional Mystery Door episodes becoming available each Monday through various podcast platforms.
This multimedia project represents a significant expansion of their entertainment brand beyond traditional television, allowing them to connect with audiences in a more intimate and unfiltered format. The podcast has already generated substantial buzz thanks to revelations like their near-departure from Britain's Got Talent and unexpected challenges like the banana eating world record attempt.
As Ant and Dec prepare to return for the nineteenth series of Britain's Got Talent in February alongside judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, their podcast provides an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at one of British television's most enduring partnerships. The combination of lighthearted challenges and serious career revelations creates a compelling listening experience that showcases both their comedic chemistry and professional resilience.