Ant and Dec debut their first podcast — a clever strategic step or a case of arriving late to the trend? That question is already circulating as the long-running TV favourites prepare to launch a new audio venture alongside a broader digital push.
The presenting duo, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, are set to host their first-ever podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, which will arrive later this month. The show promises a relaxed format, with the pair chatting about their lives, swapping stories, and responding directly to questions and comments from listeners.
A New Home for Old Hits and Fresh Ideas
The podcast sits at the heart of Belta Box, a new digital entertainment brand created by the duo. The channel will live across major platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, blending nostalgia with experimentation. Alongside the podcast, Belta Box will feature classic clips from their extensive TV archive as well as newly developed digital formats.
According to Donnelly, the idea was driven by fan demand. After asking their audience what they would want from a podcast, the answer was simple: no gimmicks, no themes — just the two of them spending time together and talking freely.
Balancing Broadcast Power With Digital Ambition
The move into podcasting and online video comes shortly after Ant and Dec signed a fresh contract extension with ITV, ensuring their continued presence on flagship shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win. That security gives them freedom to experiment without risking their position at the top of British television.
Media commentators suggest this dual strategy allows the presenters to explore new revenue streams while remaining protected by traditional broadcast success. Even if Belta Box struggles to maintain momentum beyond its launch buzz, the pair remain among the highest-paid figures in UK entertainment.
Hanging Out with Ant & Dec will release its first episode on Thursday 22 January, followed by fortnightly episodes and bonus Monday content.
Late to Podcasts — But Not Too Late?
While Ant and Dec may be entering the podcast world later than many celebrities, analysts argue the timing is far from disastrous. The global podcast and digital audio market continues to expand rapidly, with estimates suggesting it could grow several times over by the end of the decade.
Their biggest advantage lies in familiarity. Decades on screen have created a strong sense of connection with the British public, making it easier for them to transition into a more intimate, direct-to-audience format. However, the lack of traditional broadcaster backing and established advertising models could pose challenges once initial enthusiasm fades.
“No Script, No Agenda”
The podcast itself is being billed as deliberately unpolished — no script, no fixed agenda, and no interruptions. Listeners will help shape each episode by submitting questions, anecdotes and talking points, reinforcing the sense of accessibility the duo are known for.
Both the podcast and the wider Belta Box channel are produced by Mitre Studios, Ant & Dec’s own production company. The YouTube channel launched with throwback clips from much-loved shows such as Byker Grove, SM:TV and Saturday Night Takeaway, tapping into a powerful sense of nostalgia.
Ant McPartlin described the move as a “natural next step,” saying it reflects a lifelong passion for celebrating entertainment — now adapted for a changing media landscape.
Why YouTube Wants Ant and Dec Too
Industry watchers note that the shift benefits YouTube as much as it does the presenters. While the platform already dominates short-form and viral video, it has yet to fully conquer long-form, TV-style viewing. High-profile talent like Ant and Dec could help bridge that gap.
This comes amid broader shifts in viewing habits. Recent audience data suggests YouTube has, for the first time, overtaken the BBC in monthly reach on certain metrics, although the BBC still leads in longer-form viewing. Reports also indicate the BBC may soon announce a significant content partnership with YouTube, highlighting how even traditional broadcasters are adapting.
A Calculated Gamble in a Changing Industry
As television, streaming and social platforms continue to blur, Ant and Dec’s podcast launch looks less like a casual side project and more like a calculated move to stay relevant across generations. Whether it proves to be a masterstroke or simply a late arrival to a crowded space remains to be seen — but few would bet against the duo’s ability to keep audiences listening.
