In a revelation that’s left TV watchers stunned, presenting legends Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – better known as Ant and Dec – are reportedly pocketing a staggering £3 million each for their hosting duties on the 2025 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, cementing their status as the undisputed kings of British television.

The eye-watering figure – which sources close to the production describe as part of the duo’s long-standing “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV – comes amid a season that’s already packed with drama, from campmate pay leaks to brutal trials and Ruby Wax’s infamous Liquorice Allsorts hoarding scandal. Yet while the celebrities battle bugs and hunger for far smaller sums (with top earner Aitch allegedly banking £250,000), Ant and Dec’s payday dwarfs them all, proving once again why they’re the most powerful – and wealthiest – hosts on UK screens.

“Ant and Dec are worth every penny,” an ITV insider spilled exclusively. “They don’t just host – they make the show. Their chemistry, timing and ability to handle chaos keep millions glued to the screen every night. £3 million each for a few weeks in the jungle? It’s a bargain for what they deliver.”

The estimate – widely reported across British media in late 2025 – aligns with previous leaks suggesting the pair earn around £3.3 million per month during the show’s run, prorated from their multi-million-pound exclusive contract. That deal, reportedly worth £40 million over three years (with potential to rise to £50 million), covers their flagship ITV gigs: I’m A Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway and more.

From Byker Grove to Billions: The Rise of Ant and Dec

Born and raised in Newcastle, Ant (Anthony McPartlin) and Dec (Declan Donnelly) first shot to fame as child actors on kids’ drama Byker Grove in the late 1980s. Their on-screen friendship blossomed into a real-life partnership that’s lasted over three decades – through highs (multiple National Television Awards, BAFTAs) and lows (Ant’s well-publicised personal struggles in 2018).

By the early 2000s, they’d signed their first “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV – a term for lucrative, exclusive contracts that lock top talent to one broadcaster. Early figures were modest compared to today: £2 million over two years in 2002, rising steadily. Their 2016 three-year renewal was reportedly £30 million, and the current agreement – inked in 2022 and extended into 2028 – has pushed them into the stratosphere.

“They’re not just presenters – they’re a brand,” one entertainment analyst explained. “Ant and Dec bring guaranteed ratings, nostalgia and trust. In an era where streamers poach talent, ITV pays premium to keep them.”

Their net worth reflects that dominance: estimates place each at around £62 million (combined £124 million), built from TV fees, production companies (Mitford Productions), endorsements and savvy investments.

Breaking Down the £3 Million Figure

The £3 million per person for I’m A Celebrity 2025 isn’t a standalone fee – it’s derived from their overall ITV package. The show runs roughly three to four weeks (November to December), so the monthly equivalent during broadcast season hits £3.3 million each, according to multiple reports from The Sun, Hello! Magazine and others.

Key factors boosting their value:

• Ratings powerhouse – I’m A Celebrity consistently pulls 7-10 million viewers nightly, making it one of ITV’s biggest money-spinners.
• Multi-show empire – The contract bundles earnings across programmes, but I’m A Celebrity is often cited as their biggest earner due to its cultural impact.
• No competition – Unlike some hosts jumping ship, Ant and Dec remain loyal to ITV, giving the network exclusivity.

Compare that to the campmates: Aitch’s £250,000 tops the 2025 list, with Jack Osbourne on £200,000 and others as low as £75,000 (Eddie Kadi). The gap is stark – but insiders say it’s justified.

“Celebs get exposure, career boosts and charity donations,” a source noted. “Ant and Dec deliver the show year after year.”

Fan Reactions: Admiration Mixed with Envy

Social media erupted over the estimates:

• “£3m each? Fair play – they make the jungle watchable!”
• “While campmates eat bugs for £100k, Ant and Dec laugh all the way to the bank. Legends.”
• “Golden handcuffs indeed – ITV knows they’re irreplaceable.”

Critics pointed out the disparity: “£3m for chatting and reacting? Meanwhile, NHS workers struggle.” But most fans defended the duo: “They’ve earned it – 30+ years of brilliant TV.”

The 2025 series itself has been a triumph: high ratings despite controversies, strong cast chemistry and memorable moments (Aitch’s fearless trials, Jack Osbourne’s emotional tributes to Ozzy). Ant and Dec’s hosting – witty, warm and unflappable – remains the glue.

Beyond the Jungle: Their Broader Empire

The I’m A Celebrity payday is just one slice. Their portfolio includes:

• Britain’s Got Talent – massive fees for judging and presenting.
• Saturday Night Takeaway – live chaos that draws huge audiences.
• Production credits – they executive produce many shows via Mitford.
• Endorsements and books – Dec’s novels, Ant’s recovery story.

A 2025 company filing showed Dec’s Deecourt Limited with £34.4 million in assets, underscoring their financial muscle.

The Future: Locked In Until 2028

With their deal running through 2028, Ant and Dec show no signs of slowing. Rumours of spin-offs (like Millionaire Hot Seat) and international versions keep them central.

“They’re the gold standard,” one TV exec said. “In a fragmented media world, they deliver consistency and trust.”

As I’m A Celebrity 2025 crowns its winner, one thing’s clear: while campmates battle for the crown, Ant and Dec reign supreme – and their £3 million each payday proves it.

Britain’s favourite Geordie duo: still untouchable, still unbeatable, still very, very rich.