Declan Donnelly struggled to hold back tears as he read a letter of advice to his younger self during a recent episode of his podcast Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. The TV presenter, who rose to fame alongside Ant McPartlin in 1989 on the children's series Byker Grove, became emotional while offering guidance to his past self.
Emotional Podcast Moment
In a preview for the episode, Donnelly said, "This might be a hard bit," as his co-host McPartlin replied, "I bet." He then read the letter, which began: "Say hi to 1994 Ant for me. Tell him to remember he's a great kid, and it will all be OK. Even when it feels like it won't. Look out for each other, enjoy the ride and hey, respect guys. Love from future Dec!"
Donnelly reflected on his early career, describing it as "exciting and exhilarating, yet daunting and bewildering, thrilling and intoxicating, yet intense and exhausting." He told his younger self: "I know you think you and Ant have left to go on a bit of an adventure for a few weeks, but you don't realise it yet. You've both pretty much left home now, and your lives will never return to how they have been. But it turned out alright, guys."
Advice and Reflection
Donnelly offered several pieces of advice to his younger self, including to "grab every opportunity that comes your way and give it your all," "treasure the true friendships you make," "go home as much as you can," and "buy a flippin hairdryer." He also told his younger self that his friendship with McPartlin would "endure thick and thin" and was "even stronger in 2026."
Wrapping up the letter, Donnelly added a lighthearted investment tip: "buy Tesla, Apple and loads of Bitcoin."
Career Journey
After rising to fame on Byker Grove, Ant & Dec embarked on a music career as PJ & Duncan before launching successful presenting careers. They have fronted shows including SMTV Live, I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain's Got Talent, and Limitless Win. The duo have won the National Television Award for best presenter a record 23 times.
