Ant and Dec's Dramatic Ultimatum: The BGT Exit That Almost Was
In a startling revelation from television's most iconic presenting duo, Ant and Dec have disclosed how they came perilously close to abandoning their long-standing roles on Britain's Got Talent. The popular hosts, whose real names are Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, confessed that during a particularly fraught period in 2012, they delivered an ultimatum to show creator Simon Cowell, declaring their intention to quit the series entirely.
The Breaking Point: Screen Time and Chronic Lateness
The Geordie presenters' dissatisfaction stemmed from two primary grievances that had been festering behind the scenes. Firstly, they felt increasingly marginalised, appearing on screen less and less despite their central hosting duties. Dec articulated their frustration, stating, "We were in the show less and less. It's taking up a lot of our time; we're not really in the show. We might as well leave and put our energies elsewhere."
Compounding this issue was Cowell's notorious punctuality problem. Ant recalled, "He was always late. It was gone through his period where he would just never turn up on time." This combination of diminished visibility and perceived disrespect pushed the duo to their limit, prompting a drastic course of action.
The Transatlantic Confrontation
Determined to resolve the situation, Ant and Dec embarked on a transatlantic journey to Los Angeles, where they arranged a meeting with Cowell with the explicit purpose of tendering their resignation. Speaking candidly on the Stick to Football podcast, Ant described the tense encounter, revealing they told Cowell directly they were "not having a very nice time" and intended to leave the show.
What followed was an unexpected and emotional response from the notoriously tough music mogul. Rather than accepting their resignation, Cowell launched into a heartfelt plea for them to reconsider. Dec recounted the surreal scene at a Los Angeles restaurant: "He went, 'Oh well, no, you can't leave, and I'll turn up on time, and we'll make sure that you're featured more and that you'll have more fun with it.'"
The situation took an even more peculiar turn when, according to Dec, Cowell leaned across the table and began tickling him, declaring, "You will never leave me." This bizarre yet effective display of persuasion marked a pivotal moment in their professional relationship.
A Relationship Built on Honesty and Respect
Despite the confrontation, Ant was quick to contextualise the incident within their broader rapport with Cowell. He praised the television personality, saying, "He's a really charming bloke with a great sense of humour. He's funny, generous, and we get on well with him." The presenter attributed their enduring working relationship to mutual honesty and respect, noting that Cowell values their opinions and trusts their extensive experience in the industry.
This wasn't the first time the pair had hinted at tensions. In their 2020 joint autobiography, Dec had written, "It felt like it may as well have been anyone hosting the show," while Ant described how they "let him have it with both barrels" during the confrontation. They detailed how Cowell listened intently for the duration of "four, maybe five cigarettes" before making a solemn promise that things would change.
Cowell's Promise and a Newcastle United Diversion
True to his word, Cowell implemented the changes he promised. Dec confirmed, "To be fair to him, he was as good as his word. Things did change." This resolution allowed Ant and Dec to continue their hosting duties, which they have maintained ever since, becoming synonymous with the talent show's success.
During the same podcast appearance, the conversation lightened as Dec shared an unrelated but passionate personal highlight. He described Newcastle United's Carabao Cup victory as "the best day of my life," explaining the profound significance for fans of his generation who had never witnessed their team lift a major trophy.
The revelation of this behind-the-scenes drama offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes negotiations and personal dynamics that underpin one of British television's most successful entertainment franchises, highlighting how a single confrontational lunch in Los Angeles preserved a presenting partnership that has become a national institution.
