In a major announcement for British television, the iconic presenting partnership of Ant and Dec has confirmed its future, signing a new multi-million pound "golden handcuffs" deal with ITV. The contract will keep the Geordie duo exclusively at the broadcaster until the end of 2028, cementing a remarkable three-decade relationship.
A Partnership Built to Last
The new three-year agreement ensures that Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will continue to front ITV's flagship entertainment lineup. This includes the hit shows "Ant & Dec's Limitless Win," "Britain's Got Talent," and "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" The deal, rumoured to be worth a figure similar to their previous £30 million contracts, was formally announced on 22nd December 2025.
Expressing their delight, Ant stated: "We are absolutely thrilled to be extending our long-standing and creative partnership with our friends at ITV." Dec echoed the sentiment, adding: "We feel incredibly fortunate to work on some of the biggest and best TV shows. We're proud of what we've accomplished with ITV over the years and are excited about the future, looking forward to creating more fantastic entertainment together."
An Unrivalled Award-Winning Legacy
The pair, who first joined ITV to host the celebrated weekend show SM:TV, have become synonymous with Saturday night entertainment. Their on-screen chemistry, rooted in a genuine friendship that began on the set of BBC's Byker Grove in 1990, has translated into an unparalleled trophy haul.
During their tenure, they have collected a staggering 48 National Television Awards and 18 BAFTA Television Awards. They famously held the National TV Award for Best Presenter for 23 consecutive years, a record only recently ended by Gary Lineker's win in 2025.
ITV's Crown Jewels Secure Their Future
Kevin Lygo, ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, was effusive in his praise for the duo. "Ant & Dec's impact on live entertainment is unmatched," he said. "Their triumphant partnership has reigned supreme for over thirty years. This new three-year chapter with ITV promises to be filled with more must-watch entertainment."
Rumours of the lucrative new deal first surfaced in August 2025, with the broadcaster keen to lock down its most valuable assets. While the pair have previously expressed curiosity about projects with platforms like Netflix or a live theatre tour, they have consistently emphasised their strong and productive relationship with ITV.
Reflecting on the secret to their enduring success at the 2023 NTAs, Ant summarised it simply: "We're friends first and foremost. The TV shows come after that." Dec reinforced this, noting: "Ours is a career built on friendship, not a friendship built on a career." With this new deal, that friendship is set to continue delighting millions of viewers on ITV for years to come.
