The emotional moment took his co-star and friend, Ant McPartlin, by surprise
Dec Donnelly in tears as he pens letter(Image: Ant & Dec Instagram)
Dec Donnelly has been seen trying to fight back his tears as he read out a letter he had penned to his younger self, which took co-star Ant McPartlin by surprise.
Fans best know the pair for having worked in a duo for more than 30 years. They first met on Byker Grove in the early 90s, where they starred in the teen drama as PJ & Duncan, and have since gone on to carve out one of the most successful joint TV careers, with them currently the main hosts of Britain’s Got Talent, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
And it was back in January that they revealed they would be taking on a first in their three-decade career, as they announced that they were launching their first podcast series, Hanging Out With Ant & Dec.
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The presenters have released a number of episodes of the podcast since then, with them more recently inviting guests to join them, such as former Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards.
But things got emotional during the latest episode of the podcast, released on Thursday (July 2), as Dec could be heard choking up as he read out the later he wrote to his past self, specifically the Dec of 1994, which was just before their stint on Byker Grove game to an end, and their career went on to become what it is today.
In a preview for the full segment, shared on their Instagram page, his voice cracked as he told his co-host: “This might be a hard bit,” to which Ant replied: “Yeah, I bet man!”
Ant and Dec during their Byker Grove years(Image: Mirrorpix)
Dec is heard reading the full letter in the podcast episode, in which he says: “Dear Declan. It’s me/you from the future. From 2026. Sounds exciting, right? Well, I’ve started to report. We’re not yet travelling around in hover cars, nor do we have robo servants or space colonies.
“What I wanted to write you this letter to tell you that I found and I’ve just finished reading the diary you kept in March and April 1994 on your and Ant’s new podcast, which you can hear and watch on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and all other podcast providers, and on BeltaBox channel on YouTube. I realise pretty much all of that information will make any sense whatsoever, considering you haven’t been introduced to the internet yet. You don’t know what an email is, and you haven’t even started texting. That’s coming later this year when you get your first Nokia 2110.
“Well, rest assured, it is a good thing. It’s brought back a lot of memories from that time. Things I’d forgotten, to be honest, and it’s reminded me how life felt for you back then. I remember it was exciting and exhilarating, yet daunting and bewildering. Thrilling and intoxicating, yet intense and exhausting. I know you think you and Ant have left to go on a bit of an adventure for a few weeks, but, and you don’t realise it yet, you’ve both pretty much left home now, and your lives will never return to how they have been.”
He continued: “I don’t want to reveal too much of what happens next because you need to live the next adventure ahead and experience the highs and lows and the lessons they will teach you. Those lessons will make you the man you are today. However, I have a few words of advice to make the next part of your life, and the ride that is ahead, a bit more enjoyable.
Dec read the emotional letter to Ant and their podcast listeners(Image: Ant & Dec Instagram)
“Grab every opportunity that comes your way and give it your all. I know this foundation has been laid by the wonderful people you’ve worked with on Byker Grove, and rest assured they’ve set you on the right path. Treasure the true friendships you make. Lots of people will come and go, but the real friendships last. Don’t take them for granted, though, they must be nurtured. That’s why, and I know this will be no spoiler, yours and Ant’s friendship will endure through thick and thin, and if you can believe it, is even stronger in 2026 than it is there now.
“Stop and smell the flowers from time to time, and don’t pay so much attention to the weeds. Don’t worry so much about things not being perfect or what’s coming next, and have those anxieties ruin the present. Enjoy what’s coming your way and appreciate it. Get home as much as you can.”
As he held back tears, Dec admitted: “This might be the hard bit,” before he composed himself and continued: “Get home as much as you can. Your family have given you the best start in life. Your success is their success to share it with them. You’ll miss them and Newcastle more than you know. They’ll always be there for you. They’re not all gonna be there forever, though. So appreciate them all while you have them.
“Don’t get too high with the highs, or too low with the lows. You will have your fair share of both, and it’s too exhausting to constantly ride that rollercoaster. Finally, and most importantly, buy a flipping hairdryer. They’re not that expensive. Splash out. What’s the matter with you? But thank you for writing the diary. I wish you’d done more, but it’s been a fantastic reminder of a special period in your life.”
He rounded off by adding: “Say ‘Hi’ to 1994 and for me. Tell him to remember he’s a great kid, and it’ll all be okay. Even when it feels like it won’t. Look out for each other. Enjoy the ride, and hey, respect guys. Love from future Dec.” He then joked: “PS by Tesla, Apple, and loads of Bitcoin.”
It was the clip posted to the pair’s Instagram page which got viewers flocking to comment as they spotted Dec’s support of Ant. @smithanne1973 said: “Why did this make me cry. You’re both brilliant & I’m loving the podcast.” @francejayne commented: “Your friendship has stood the test of time, ups & downs but your both there for each other, love it … keep smashing!” @mabelnelson286 added: “You made me cry that is so sweet. I absolutely love your guys friendship. Having that one friend is the best thing in the world.”