Britain's favourite presenting duo, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have unveiled a major new venture, marking their first foray into podcasting together. The pair, collectively known as Ant and Dec, will launch 'Hanging Out With Ant and Dec' on 22 January 2024.
What to Expect from the 'Hanging Out' Podcast
The biweekly podcast series promises an intimate look at the pair's legendary friendship, forged over decades in the spotlight. Listeners can expect casual conversations where the hosts catch up, share anecdotes, and reminisce about their vast career. A unique interactive element will allow fans to submit questions for advice and request the reliving of classic TV moments.
'We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it to be about and they said we just want you guys to hang out,' said Dec Donnelly, 50. 'So that’s what we’re doing. Ant and I don’t get to hang out as much as we used to, so it’s perfect for us.' A bonus episode will be released every Monday alongside the regular schedule.
Launching the Belta Box Digital Channel
In a double announcement, the multi-award-winning hosts also revealed the launch of a new digital channel named Belta Box. This platform will serve as a hub for new, original entertainment content and carefully curated clips.
Fans can look forward to seeing some of the pair's best bits from across their career, including nostalgic footage from the Newcastle-based children's drama 'Byker Grove', which launched them to fame in the roles of PJ and Duncan. The duo later enjoyed a chart-topping music career under those same names, hitting UK Number One in 2013 with their 1994 track 'Let's Get Ready to Rhumble'.
'We’ve spent our whole careers celebrating great entertainment, so launching Belta Box feels like the natural next step,' commented Ant McPartlin, 50. 'Alongside our new podcast, we’re excited to create a space packed with fun, feelgood content that brings people together.'
A Natural Evolution for TV Favourites
This move expands the brand of two of the UK's most enduring television personalities. Currently, they front major ITV staples including:
- 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
- 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway'
- 'Britain's Got Talent'
- The gameshow 'Ant and Dec's Limitless Win'
The launch of both the 'Hanging Out' podcast and the Belta Box channel represents a strategic embrace of digital media, allowing Ant and Dec to connect with their audience directly and on-demand. It leverages their vast archive of memorable moments while creating a new home for original, light-hearted entertainment.
