Beloved television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have launched a fresh promotional video for their upcoming podcast, following significant controversy that forced them to withdraw their initial advert. The new, DIY-style clip offers fans a tour of their podcast studio, marking a stark contrast to the earlier promotion which mental health charity Mind labelled 'incredibly damaging'.
Backlash Over 'Triggering' Imagery
The original promotional video, released in January 2026, featured the duo pegged to a clothesline in a garden setting, with their feet shown dangling in the air. This imagery was widely criticised on social media as being deeply disappointing and potentially triggering, with many viewers drawing connections to suicide. The charity Mind, a leading UK mental health organisation, swiftly condemned the advert, highlighting the harm such depictions can cause to those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide.
In response to the fierce backlash, Ant and Dec issued a public apology on January 20, 2026, stating they 'did not mean to cause any offence' and promptly removed the video. Rehema Figueiredo, Head of Media at Mind, acknowledged the apology but stressed the incident demonstrated a continued need for progress in responsible portrayals of suicide in media.
A Safer, Nostalgic Second Attempt
Their new promotional effort, shared on Instagram, takes a completely different approach. The video presents an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at their new podcast studio, filled with memorabilia from their decades-long career. The pair showcase items including helmets from Ant vs. Dec, a Taste Mates mug, and a ceramic banana holder Ant jokingly calls his 'favourite item'.
Dec also holds up a replica of the famous mask from their PJ and Duncan era, alongside framed shirts from the 'Let's Get Ready to Rhumble' music video and an 'original Cheese Bag t-shirt'. They end the clip by inviting fans to 'come and hang out' when the podcast, titled Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, premieres on January 22, 2026.
Positive Fan Reception and Lessons Learned
The new, innocuous promo has been met with enthusiasm from fans, a clear departure from the earlier controversy. Comments on the Instagram post express excitement, with followers writing 'Cant wait to listen' and 'So excited for this!!'.
This episode underscores the critical importance of sensitivity in media content, particularly concerning mental health. Mind's guidance for content creators emphasises avoiding references to specific methods of suicide and being wary of language and imagery that could cause distress. The charity noted that public attitudes towards mental health had regressed in 2024, making responsible depictions more vital than ever.
While the launch of their podcast encountered a rocky start, Ant and Dec's swift action to address concerns and pivot their promotional strategy appears to have steadied the ship as they venture into the world of podcasting.
