Ant and Dec's DNA Journey leaves viewers in tears at pair's 'unbreakable' friendship
The pair have known each other since they were teenagers
They've been the best of friends since they were teenagers so it's no surprise Geordie TV presenters Ant and Dec have an unbreakable bond, but their latest TV show Ant and Dec's DNA Journey left viewers feeling very emotional.
The two-part documentary, which was filmed over the space of two years, aired on ITV on Sunday night, showing the boys finding out their family history, which included a war hero and an American wrestler.
However, the 90 minute show left viewers in tears when Ant opened up about his addictions, which resulted in him checking himself into rehab in 2018.
Speaking about the tough time, Ant candidly revealed how his actions affected his friendship with Dec, saying, "The last few years have been quite emotional, hard. They've been testing I would say in terms of how strong your friendship is."
Admitting he was incredibly angry at Ant, Dec said, 'It's been a tough couple of years, it's really tested the bond that we've shared since we were 13 years old. I was incredibly angry at the start, so angry, disappointed in him that he didn't ever come to me and say, 'I'm struggling, I need you'.
"If the shoe was on the other foot, I would have gone to him and said, 'I'm in trouble, I can't handle this and I need your help'. He never came to me and that hurt me a lot."
I'm A Celebrity host Dec opened up even further on the show, saying, "There was a point where I thought that that was it. There were times where I wasn't sure it was going to survive. Times where you didn't know it needed to survive or you wanted it to survive.
"All the while he was away I wasn't sure where his head was at or if he was going to say 'none of this is for me'.
Admitting he fully understand's Dec's feelings, Ant said, "I knew he was angry and understandably so because my actions not only affect me, they affect him and his family and his loved ones."
Dec added, "Because to be in those depths of despair, he must have been so unhappy. And that is where ultimately the care and compassion you have for that person overrides everything and you just want them to get better and get support for them."
Check out all of these Ant and Dec facts you didn't know:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. In 2023, the boys confirmed they are rebooting Byker Grove, acting as producers.
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!
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.
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'.
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 2024, Ant and Dec won Best Presenter at the NTAs for the 23rd consecutive year! It was never in doubt!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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'.
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.
16. Ant and Dec are REBOOTING Byker Grove
In July 2023, Ant and Dec (or should we say PJ and Duncan) announced they were rebooting series Byker Grove, which originally aired between 1989-2006! The pair confirmed they would be Executive Producers on the show.
17. Ant and Dec are both proud dads
Dec is a proud dad to his two children, daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly and son Jack Anthony Alphonsus. Meanwhile, in May 2024, Ant become a father for the first time when his wife Anne-Marie gave birth to a baby boy called Wilder Patrick McPartlin.
After the show aired, viewers were quick to take to Twitter to praise the duo, with many calling their bond 'unbreakable'.
One user wrote, 'Such an amazing story so far.You guys have an unbreakable bond.Everyone forgets there’s 2sides to a story,friendships, relationships,work.we’re to quick to judge. You should be proud of what you have both gone through and coming out the other side. Roll on part 2!'. sic
Another wrote, '@antanddec just have an unbreakable bond. Great tv as always. Two of our own'. sic
A third wrote, 'Absolutely loved @antanddec #DNAjourney tonight! The bond those two men have is unbreakable, I was so emotional watching it! Well done to you both, brilliant TV'. sic
Part two of Ant and Dec's DNA Journey airs on ITV tonight (Monday 11th November).
Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.