11 times Ant & Dec showed what real friendship is
It’s rare in the celebrity world to find a friendship that isn’t just for show. Enter Ant & Dec. From living on the same road to being each other’s best man, not to mention supporting one another in times of trouble, these pals are 100% genuine. Check out all the times the cheeky Geordie lads have given us the ultimate #FriendshipGoals
Rex Features1. When they didn’t hit it off straight away
It’s hard to imagine a time when Ant & Dec weren’t friends but, 27 years ago, they met in the Green Room of Byker, Byker, Byker Grove. Contrary to what you’d expect, their friendship was a bit of a slow-burner and they didn’t hit it off straight away. “I remember seeing Ant in the corner and thinking he’s got a bit of a miserable face,” says Dec, while Ant thought Dec “a bit small for his age”. But it wasn’t long before the duo bonded over their shared interests… that is Newcastle United and Greggs pasties.
Rex Features2. When they were stronger as a pair
When Ant & Dec left Byker Grove, they didn’t go their separate ways. Trading on their successful on-screen friendship, they released two albums and the iconic Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble, under the names of PJ & Duncan. They were nominated for the Best Breakthrough Act at the BRITS but were robbed. The gong went to some little-known band called Oasis.
PA3. When they faced success and failure together
Ant & Dec have had oodles of success over the years with BAFTAs, National Television Awards, BRIT nominations and OBEs all coming their way. They have presented some of the most popular entertainment shows of a generation includingI’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, Pop Idol and Britain’s Got Talentbut there have been career low points too. One of their first Saturday morning kids’ TV gigs, Gimme 5, was dropped after its second series and the show Red Or Black, created by Simon Cowell, was also a ratings flop. Undeterred, they got up, dusted themselves off and kept going.
Getty Images4. When they made fun of themselves
It’s a running joke that, while the public loves Ant & Dec and their shows, many can’t actually tell them apart. Instead of taking offence at this, the boys sent themselves up in a scene from Love Actually, when Bill Nighy’s character refers to them as “Ant or Dec”. Can’t remember it? Relive the hilarious moment here.
Getty Images5. When they were the first duo on Desert Island Discs in 25 years
The pair followed in the illustrious footsteps of Morecambe and Wise when they appeared together on Desert Island Discs. They chose four songs together and two each separately and, touchingly, when it was revealed that they would have to be marooned on separate islands, Ant admitted: “Ooh, that makes me feel a bit sad.” Clearly, they can’t imagine life without each other.
Getty Images6. When they bought homes and holiday homes near each other
Not content with spending their working lives together, Ant & Dec actually live on the same road. Previously, they shared a flat but, when Ant got married and moved out, Dec bought a house three doors down from the newly-weds in London’s Chiswick. "He's basically a stalker, but he's very good at his job so I’ll keep him on," said Ant. Oh yeah, and they have holiday homes in the same exclusive Algarve resort.
Rex Features7. When their dogs became friends
They say dogs are just like their owners and that is certainly true for Ant & Dec’s pampered pooches. The duo bought the puppies, named Hurley and Rocky, at the same time (of course they did!) and the hounds are inseparable too. "Now our dogs are best mates… It's nice because we've got the excuse that we need to take the dogs for a walk now and then we stop for a pint."
Rex Features8. When they have little spats
Like all pals, Ant & Dec do argue. “We’ve rowed a few times… We’re quite competitive,” Ant admitted. But when pushed about their biggest fight, the duo said it was over the finer points of a board game version of How To Be A Millionaire, when Dec got so annoyed, he stormed off home.
Getty Images9. When they were each other’s best man
When Ant married make-up artist Lisa Armstrong in 2006, Dec was the obvious choice as Best Man and Dec repaid the honour when he married Ali Astall in 2015. Speaking about his pal tying the knot, Ant admitted: "She [Ali] looked amazing. It was very emotional, I was really emotional. He finally got married."
Getty Images10. They know the value of each other (literally)
Both Ant & Dec are fully aware that they wouldn’t have been so successful without the other. "If we hadn't met I don't think we would have got as far," admits Ant. In fact, they’re so conscious of their power as a pair, they’ve taken insurance out against anything happening to either of them. The financially-savvy double act have confirmed that, should one of them die, the other will get a six-figure pay out. “I think I would be the first suspect if we were together and Dec suddenly fell off a cliff! I’ve got a big motive,” joked Ant.
Rex Features11. When they stood by each other during the bad times
The value of true pal is when they stick by you no matter what and, in 2017, Dec proved that his friendship with Ant went much deeper than what we see on TV. When Ant checked himself into rehab for “substance abuse, prescription drugs, and drinking” following a knee injury, Dec took to Twitter to thank fans for their support. "Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes for the big fella. He will be touched. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated," he wrote from their joint account.
