Ant and Dec, Britain’s most beloved presenting duo, are stepping into the podcasting world for the first time. Their new show, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, will debut on January 22, 2026, as part of their recently launched digital entertainment brand, Belta Box.
A New Digital Chapter
The podcast promises “no script, no agenda, and no interruptions.” Instead, it will feature the pair catching up, reminiscing, and answering questions from listeners. Declan Donnelly explained: “We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said we just want you guys to hang out.” The Belta Box channel, produced by their company Mitre Studios, will also showcase classic clips from their TV careers — including Byker Grove, SM:TV, and Saturday Night Takeaway — alongside new digital formats. Content will be available across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Balancing TV and Digital
Despite their digital push, Ant and Dec are not leaving television behind. They recently signed a three‑year extension with ITV, securing their roles on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Limitless Win. Media commentator Alex Hudson noted the duo’s ability to “have their cake and eat it.” With a reported £30m ITV contract, they remain among the highest‑paid presenters in the industry, even if their digital venture struggles.
Late to the Podcast Party?
Podcasting is already a booming industry, with global revenues estimated at £25bn and projected to reach £100bn by the end of the decade. Hudson acknowledged that Ant and Dec may be “late to the party,” but their established relationship with the British public gives them a unique advantage.
“This allows them to talk directly with audiences and develop a different business model,” Hudson said. However, he cautioned that without traditional advertising support, sustaining momentum beyond the initial buzz could be challenging.
YouTube’s Role
Ant and Dec’s move also aligns with YouTube’s ambitions to expand beyond short‑form viral content into long‑form programming. Their presence on the platform could help YouTube compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The timing is significant. Recent data from Barb suggested YouTube overtook the BBC in monthly audience reach for short‑form content. Meanwhile, reports indicate the BBC is preparing a landmark content deal with YouTube, signaling a major shift in how broadcasters engage with digital platforms.
What Fans Can Expect
Episodes of Hanging Out with Ant & Dec will drop fortnightly, with bonus episodes every Monday. Fans will be able to shape conversations by submitting questions and anecdotes, making the podcast interactive and community‑driven. For Ant and Dec, the podcast is a “natural next step” after decades of celebrating entertainment on television. Whether it proves to be a smart move or a late arrival, one thing is certain: the Geordie duo are determined to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
