Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly ‘set to return to the BBC for the first time in 23 years as they reflect on their TV career on Radio 2’s My Life In A Mixtape’
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are reportedly set to return to the BBC for the first time in 23 years for a one-off special.
The presenting duo, both 44, will reflect on their career on the small screen during an episode of Radio 2’s My Life In A Mixtape, according to The Mirror.
The Geordie stars met back in 1989 when they were cast in the teen drama Byker Grove and quickly became best friends on set.
Career: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 44, are reportedly set to return to the BBC for the first time in 23 years for a one-off special
The pair then tried for a career in the music industry, recording two albums under the names of their characters PJ and Duncan.
Ant and Dec have since gone on to be among the most successful presenters in Britain, known for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
Speaking about the upcoming special, an insider said: ‘We have nicknamed this show Ant and Decks, and it is very exciting to get them to host and DJ for us after such a long time away from the BBC.
‘Listeners will discover the very first time they sang together and which pop song they think should be listened to at least twice a year for the good of one’s health. Incidents include the time they saved Dame Shirley Bassey from taking a royal tumble.
Looking back: The presenting duo will reflect on their career on the small screen during an episode of Radio 2’s My Life In A Mixtape (pictured in BBC One in 2000)
‘And there is almost certainly going to be a snippet of their big hit Lets Get Ready To Rhumble.’
There are rumours the pair could bring back SMTV Live and be joined by their former co-host Cat Deeley.
Ant and Dec will have a career first this year as they are currently gearing up to present I’m A Celebrity in Gwrych Castle in Wales after the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for the show to travel to Australia.
As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity.
A source said: ‘We have nicknamed this show Ant and Decks, and it is very exciting to get them to host and DJ for us after such a long time away from the BBC’
It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows.
Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers.
The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924.
Legend says she is angry at her husband for taking all of her former homes’ valuables, with some people claiming she, or another spooky spirit, stalks the area in a white dress.
Ant and Dec’s episode of My Life in a Mixtape will broadcast on Sunday, September 6 at 9pm and will be available to listen to on the BBC Sounds app.
They added: ‘Listeners will discover the very first time they sang together and which pop song they think should be listened to at least twice a year for the good of one’s health’