14 things you probably didn’t know about Ant and Dec

You may be surprised at some of these!

Ant and Dec facts

by Alex Ross |
Updated on

They are the Geordie TV presenting duo that the nation loves! Whether it's Britain's Got Talent, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, or Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, there's no denying thatAnt and Dec are two of the most popular presenters in the UK.

As the boys prepare to be reunited on the 2019 series of I'm A Celebrity, check out these 14 facts you probably didn't know about Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

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Ant and Dec facts RADIO STACKED

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

1. Ant and Dec become friends through football

Believe it or not the pair didn't get along at first but it was their joint love for football and in particular their local team Newcastle United that bonded the pair together.According to reports, Ant invited Dec along to Newcastle's Boxing Day match in 1990 and the rest is history.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2. They were neighbours for a number of years

Not only do they work together but Ant and Dec used to live just three doors away from each other in West London! However, after Ant's split from his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, Ant bought a new £5 million home in South West London. Despite this, Ant and Dec have holiday homes next door to each other in sunny Portugal.

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3. They bet who would be the first to get married

When they were just 15, Ant and Dec bet £50 who would be the first to get married. Ant was forced to pay Dec the money when he tied the knot in 2006 to Lisa Armstrong. Dec married Ali Astall in August 2015. After his divorce from Lisa, Ant re-married in August 2021 when he tied the knot with his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

4. They have life insurance against each other

In the awful event that one of them dies, the other will receive a pay out as they both have life insurance against each other.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

5. Ant and Dec bought the rights to Byker Grove

It was the show which kick-started their careers but Ant and Dec reportedly bought the rights to Byker Grove when the production company went bust. Could we see a Byker Grove reunion?

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

6. Ant and Dec have been sued before

The boys were sued by an American comedian (who also had the name Ant) for using his name during their time in America. Unsurprisingly the allegations of fraud were dismissed!

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7. A huge amount of people mix Ant and Dec up

After a poll found that 70% of viewers were unable to tell the boys apart, Dec admitted standing in the same positions is a useful way to help out the public.The pair now position themselves so that Ant is on the viewer's left, and Dec on the right.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

8. Ant and Dec are music stars

Before they became the kings of presenting, Ant and Dec (AKA PJ and Duncan) enjoyed an extensive music career. The pair released sixteen singles and three album including their biggest hit to date 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'.

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

9. Ant and Dec hold a Guinness World Record

In 2019 the boys were rewarded with a Guinness World Record for the most National Television Awards for Best Presenter won consecutively.In September 2021, Ant and Dec won Best Presenter at the NTAs for the 20th consecutive year!

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

10. Ant and Dec both have an OBE

In 2017, both Ant and Dec received an OBE from Prince Charles for their services to broadcasting and entertainment. The boys collected their accolades at Buckingham Palace.

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11. Ant and Dec have hosted The BRIT Awards

Ant and Dec first hosted The BRIT Awards way back in 2001, before making a return to the stage in both 2015 and 2016.

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12. Ant and Dec are worth millions

Due to their phenomenal careers, it's reported that Ant and Dec's current net worth is estimated to be around £62 million each.Lend us a tenner lads!

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

13. Ant and Dec both have phobias

Believe it or not, despite Ant and Dec hosting I'm A Celebrity in the Australian Jungle, both of them have phobias! Ant is scared of spiders and Dec is terrified of birds!

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CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

14. Ant and Dec have their name trademarked

Since 2003, the name 'Ant and Dec' has been trademarked in the UK in the category of 'Entertainment services'.

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CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

15. Ant and Dec are RELATED!

When taking part in their 2019 documentary Ant and Dec's DNA Journey, the boys discovered the are actually distant cousins!The popular pair found out they share a S660 DNA marker, meaning they are related in an incredibly distant way.

Ant and Dec are currently presenting Britain's Got Talent: The Champions, with the boys teasing which celebrities will be taking part on I'm A Celebrity when the show returns in 2019.

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