Ant and Dec ‘on cusp of signing £30m golden handcuffs deal with ITV’

Ant and Dec are reportedly on the verge of signing a three-year ‘golden handcuffs’ deal with ITV worth around £30 million, as the broadcaster looks to fend off competition from streaming giants

Ant and Dec are reportedly on the verge of securing what’s being dubbed a three-year “golden handcuffs” agreement worth approximately £30 million with ITV.

Timed to coincide with their milestone 50th birthdays this autumn, the agreement is intended to keep the pair anchored to the broadcaster as rival platforms seek to lure them away, according to sources.

Ant McPartlin, 49, and Declan Donnelly, also 49, are allegedly putting the finishing touches on negotiations for the contract, which would see them continue presenting I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win for a further three years.

The Sun reports that this agreement comes following a series of talent raids by streaming services, particularly after former This Morning host Holly Willoughby’s exit.

A TV source revealed: “This is one of the last golden handcuff deals in television but ITV see Ant and Dec as a worthwhile investment.

“They’re still loved by the public and front some of the channel’s biggest and most successful shows. The timing could not be any better as they prepare to turn 50. Now they have double the reason to celebrate.

“From the ITV execs’ point of view, it also ensures that there aren’t any counter‐bids from the streaming giants who are increasingly moving into the light entertainment arena. Disney+ is rebooting Blind Date and Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt was widely seen as a rip‐off of the jungle. Netflix has also been specifically targeting ITV talent including Holly Willoughby, Emma Willis and Amanda Holden, who’ve all been given shows by the streamer.”

Ant and Dec are anticipated to officially announce the deal in the New Year, following the expiration of their current contract. As the duo approach their 50th birthdays this year, this marks a significant milestone both personally and professionally.

The pair first crossed paths as child actors on the BBC children’s drama Byker Grove in 1990. Both born in Newcastle in 1975 – Ant on 18 November and Dec on 25 September – they transitioned from acting to pop music as PJ and Duncan before achieving lasting success as television presenters.

They have hosted flagship shows such as SMTV Live, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Saturday Night Takeaway, and Britain’s Got Talent. The duo have a history of profitable ITV contracts.

Previous “golden handcuffs” deals include a multi‐year renewable agreement in 2016 estimated at £30 million for three years, as well as earlier deals in the 2000s valued at up to £40 million.