Television favourites Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have shared exciting updates about the upcoming series of their hit ITV quiz show, Limitless Win. The Geordie duo, who recently secured a lucrative new three-year contract with the broadcaster worth around £30 million, revealed that contestants on the fifth series are adopting a far more tactical approach in their quest for a life-changing cash prize.
Record-Breaking Ambitions for Series Five
Speaking ahead of the show's return, the hosts expressed their hope to witness television history. "What we really want to do is see someone break the record for the most money ever given away on a UK quiz show," said Dec. "So we’re keeping everything crossed for a one and a quarter million pound win!"
Ant added that the ambition of the new contestants is palpable. "We've got more people playing above £1 million on the ladder this series than we've ever had before," he confirmed. This follows the show's historic moment in January 2024, when NHS managers Helen and Charlie from Suffolk won a staggering £1 million, setting a new benchmark for future players.
A New Era of Strategic Gameplay
According to Ant and Dec, the biggest shift in the new series is the mindset of the participants. Having watched previous episodes, contestants are arriving better prepared and braver. "They've come along a bit braver, playing a bit more strategically and they are really bringing their ‘A’ game," Dec explained.
This strategic preparation has reached new heights of dedication. Ant revealed that hopefuls are creating detailed spreadsheets, covering their homes in Post-it notes with facts, and even taking tape measures to supermarkets to memorise dimensions. "They measure their own body parts to use as a ruler," Ant said, highlighting the extraordinary lengths people go to for a chance at the limitless ladder.
The Hosts' High-Stakes Role and Emotional Investment
The show's unique "Take Two" lifeline, where contestants can ask Ant and Dec for an answer, puts significant pressure on the presenters. Dec admitted this moment makes him "feel sick," as they risk costing players the game. However, Ant noted that their extensive experience provides some insight. "We have genuinely played more games of Limitless Win than anybody else," Dec said. "We've been up that ladder so many times... we have kind of worked a little bit of logic and common sense."
Despite their expertise, the emotional toll of each game is real. "We always get really exhausted at the end of filming... it's been such an emotional investment for us in every single game," Dec confessed. "By the end of it we’re emotionally drained."
Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win returns for its fifth series on Sunday January 11 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
