Television's most bankable partnership, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, are poised for a monumental shift. The Geordie duo, who have dominated Saturday night entertainment on ITV for decades, have reportedly signed a staggering £30 million deal with global streaming giant Netflix.
The three-year agreement marks a significant strategic move for both parties. For Ant and Dec, it represents a lucrative opportunity to create original content with a truly global reach, potentially introducing their unique brand of humour and hosting to millions of new international subscribers.
For Netflix, securing the UK's most beloved and reliable presenting team is a major coup in its ongoing battle for market share and must-watch content. An industry source revealed the deal has been in the works for some time, stating, 'Netflix has been after the golden duo for a while. They are telly royalty and have a magic touch that bosses believe will work globally.'
What Does This Mean for ITV?
Fans need not panic about their favourite ITV shows disappearing. The deal is understood to be non-exclusive, meaning Ant and Dec will continue to front juggernauts like Britain's Got Talent, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and the iconic Saturday Night Takeaway.
However, the future of Saturday Night Takeaway remains a topic of speculation. The show is taking a well-publicised hiatus in 2024, with its return in 5 still unconfirmed. This new Netflix partnership certainly fuels rumours that the format, or something very similar, could be reinvented for a streaming audience.
The bottom line: Ant and Dec are not leaving ITV, but they are officially expanding their empire. This landmark deal cements their status as the UK's most powerful entertainment assets and signals a new, exciting chapter in their incredible careers.
