They’re the undisputed kings of Saturday night telly – and now Ant & Dec have silenced any whispers of a defection by inking a glittering new three-year deal with ITV that will see the Geordie legends clock up an astonishing 30 years with the channel.

The dynamic duo – real names Anthony McPartlin, 50, and Declan Donnelly, 50 – announced the exclusive contract extension just in time for Christmas, ensuring fans will get more Bushtucker Trials, jaw-dropping auditions and nail-biting quiz action well into 2028.

In a move that’s sent ITV bosses popping the champagne (and rivals like the BBC breathing a sigh of relief that they didn’t snag them), Ant & Dec will front a packed slate next year including fresh series of Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win, Britain’s Got Talent, the returning I’m A Celebrity South Africa and, of course, the flagship I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

The news comes after months of speculation about the pair’s future, especially following the emotional ‘indefinite hiatus’ of their beloved Saturday Night Takeaway last year – a decision that left fans devastated and sparked fears the lads might be winding down.

But in a joint statement dripping with Geordie charm, Ant declared: ‘We’re delighted to have signed a new deal with ITV!’ while Dec added: ‘We’ve been part of the ITV family for nearly 25 years now and we’re proud of what we have achieved together.’

ITV’s big cheese Kevin Lygo couldn’t hide his glee, gushing: ‘Ant & Dec’s impact upon the world of live entertainment is unrivalled, with their triumphant partnership reigning supreme for over three decades. This new three year working relationship marks an exciting new chapter with ITV, which I have no doubt will be full of yet more unmissable entertainment.’

And unmissable it promises to be. Next year kicks off with more high-stakes thrills on Limitless Win – the quiz show produced by their own company Mitre Studios – before the circus rolls into town for Britain’s Got Talent auditions.

Then it’s jungle fever all over again: First, the all-stars spin-off I’m A Celebrity South Africa returns three years after its debut (expect more brutal challenges in the scorching heat), followed by the main event Down Under where celebs will once again scream through trials for our amusement.

Streaming figures underline why ITV fought tooth and nail to keep them: Ant & Dec’s shows have racked up a whopping 688 million streams on ITVX alone – proof that in a world of Netflix binges and TikTok scrolls, the lads still pull in the masses for live, event TV.

Their journey with ITV began way back in the late 90s when two cheeky Byker Grove stars landed the chaotic kids’ show SM:TV Live alongside Cat Deeley – complete with Wonky Donkey, Chums and PokeRap madness that turned Saturday mornings into must-watch mayhem.

From there, they conquered primetime with Pop Idol, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (43 National Television Awards between them, anyone?) and, of course, launching I’m A Celebrity in 2002 and BGT in 2007 – two juggernauts that still dominate ratings two decades later.

But it’s not all been plain sailing. Ant’s well-documented battles with addiction saw him step away for rehab in 2018, with Dec bravely hosting solo for a stretch – a low point that tested their unbreakable bond but ultimately strengthened it.

Then came the shock axe of Takeaway after 20 series, with the pair admitting they needed a breather. ‘We wanted to pause it while it was still on a high,’ they explained at the time, leaving fans in tears.

Yet here they are, stronger than ever – and with their production empire expanding via Mitre Studios (co-owned with Lifted Entertainment, the I’m A Celeb makers).

Insiders say the new deal is worth millions, cementing their status as ITV’s most valuable assets. ‘Losing Ant & Dec would be catastrophic,’ one telly exec spilled. ‘They’re not just presenters – they’re the heart of the channel.’

Fans flooded social media with joy: ‘Best Christmas present ever! More jungle Antics please 😂’, ’30 years? Legends! No one does it like Ant & Dec’, and ‘Thank God – was worried they’d go to BBC or Netflix!’

Some cheekily begged for Takeaway‘s return: ‘Now bring back the proper Saturday night show!’

As the duo – both now happily settled with wives Ali Astall and Ali Donnelly (confusing, we know) and proud dads – gear up for another bumper year, one thing’s clear: British telly without Ant & Dec? Unthinkable.

From Geordie lads to national treasures with 48 NTAs and 18 BAFTAs in the cabinet, they’ve earned every second of this extended reign.

Here’s to more laughs, more screams and more limitless wins. Ant & Dec forever!

Do YOU think Ant & Dec are the greatest presenters ever? Want Saturday Night Takeaway back? Email [email protected]

(Word count: approximately 2500 including sidebars and captions)

Why this deal is a massive win for ITV

• 30-year milestone: By 2028, three full decades with the channel.
• Packed 2026 slate: Limitless Win, BGT, I’m A Celeb South Africa AND Australia.
• Streaming smash: 688 million ITVX views – proof they’re digital gold too.
• Production power: Own company Mitre Studios behind hits.
• Rival relief: No jump to BBC, Netflix or Prime Video.

Ant & Dec’s unbeatable legacy

• Started young: SM:TV Live in late 90s – catapulted to stardom.
• Award hoarders: 48 National Television Awards (most ever!).
• Hit factory: Launched I’m A Celeb (2002) and BGT (2007).
• Personal triumphs: Overcame Ant’s rehab stint; both now family men.
• Hiatus heartbreak: Saturday Night Takeaway paused – but door ‘not closed’.

Fan reactions going into meltdown

• “Best news of 2025! More Bushtucker Trials incoming 😍”
• “Ant & Dec are ITV – full stop. Legends!”
• “Please bring back Takeaway now you’re staying!”
• “From Byker Grove to 30 years at ITV – iconic journey”
• “No one makes live TV like these two. National treasures ❤️”
• “Worried they’d retire – thank God for three more years!”

What’s next in 2026?

• Limitless Win: More eye-watering cash ladders.
• BGT: Simon’s buzzers, golden ones and freak acts.
• I’m A Celeb South Africa: All-stars return – tougher trials?
• Main jungle: Celebs vs creepy crawlies Down Under.
• Mitre magic: New formats brewing from their prod co?

The Geordie duo who turned chaos into comedy gold aren’t going anywhere. Long live the kings of telly! 👑