For more than three decades, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly—better known simply as Ant & Dec—have been a constant presence on British television screens. Their chemistry, honed since their first meeting as teenagers on the set of Byker Grove in 1990, has made them household names, beloved by millions and trusted to helm some of the UK’s most-watched entertainment shows. But even the closest of friendships can be tested by life’s awkward moments and personal tragedies, as the duo discovered during a particularly eventful Valentine’s week in February 2026.
The latest episode of their podcast, Hanging Out With Ant and Dec, offered listeners a rare glimpse into the private lives of the famously inseparable pair. As the conversation turned to Valentine’s Day plans, Declan Donnelly—perhaps caught up in the spirit of the holiday—let slip a question that was just a bit too personal. "Are you doing something sexy and nice?" Dec blurted out, catching even himself off guard. The moment sparked immediate laughter from Ant McPartlin, who exclaimed, "What on earth?" before Dec, mortified, stammered, "I didn’t mean to say that. I apologise."
Despite the embarrassment, Ant took the question in stride, confirming with a grin that he did, in fact, have something "sexy and nice" planned with his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. "She still manages the household schedule, so it’s hard to surprise her," Ant admitted, referencing Anne-Marie’s history as his former personal assistant. Dec, meanwhile, revealed he’d be spending Saturday with his wife, Ali Astall, and their children, opting for "a family Valentine’s with the kids" rather than anything racy. It was, as both noted, one of the rare occasions the duo wouldn’t be together—a testament to their enduring partnership both on and off screen.
That partnership, forged in the crucible of children’s drama and later solidified through a string of hit shows—from SMTV Live and Pop Idol to Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!—has become the stuff of British television legend. Their latest venture, Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win, aired on ITV at 8pm on February 16, 2026, underscoring their continued relevance and appeal in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Their friendship isn’t just for the cameras. Dec has twice served as best man at Ant’s weddings—first to makeup artist Lisa Armstrong in 2006, and then to Anne-Marie in 2021. During his speech at the latter, Dec described Ant as "the best friend a man could have." The sentiment rings true for those who have watched their bond weather professional triumphs and personal setbacks alike.
Yet, even as the pair navigated the lighthearted awkwardness of their podcast exchange, a much darker cloud was gathering over Ant’s personal life. On February 14, 2026, Ant abruptly left the launch event for Britain’s Got Talent, a show he co-hosts with Dec, after receiving devastating news: Hurley, his cherished chocolate Labrador, was gravely ill. According to The Sun, the 12-year-old canine—adopted by Ant and Lisa Armstrong in 2013 and a fixture in both their lives even after their 2018 divorce—was too ill to recover. Ant was described as "distraught" as he rushed home, and Hurley sadly passed away around February 14-15.
Hurley’s significance extended well beyond the typical bond between owner and pet. After Ant and Lisa’s split, the pair shared custody of the dog, always prioritizing Hurley’s well-being in their arrangements. Ant once told The Sun, "There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe. And he never tells me off and is always pleased to see me." The Labrador even inspired the name of one of Ant’s business ventures, Hurley Promotions Ltd, which he co-directs with Dec. (In a delightful bit of symmetry, they also run Rocky Promotions Ltd, named after Dec’s own dog.)
Hurley’s fame wasn’t limited to Ant’s social media posts—though he did appear in a 2024 "dog dump" on Instagram, lounging with a watch on his paw. The Labrador made a guest appearance on Steph's Packed Lunch alongside Lisa, for a segment about dog-friendly beverages, and was often recognized by fans in public. Lisa, for her part, posted a poignant image on Instagram after Hurley’s passing: a child releasing hearts into the sky, a quiet tribute to a beloved companion.
The loss of Hurley marks the end of an era for Ant, who became a father for the first time just two years earlier. In May 2024, Ant and Anne-Marie welcomed their son, Wilder, into the world. Ant also became a stepfather to Anne-Marie’s teenage daughters, Daisy and Poppy. The family recently moved from their longtime home near Dec in south-west London to a sprawling £10 million property in Surrey, reportedly paying over £1 million in stamp duty. Neighbors described the sale as a record for the area, with one local telling the Daily Mail, "It is one of the prime private estates set within an acre of grounds, so he shouldn’t have trouble with the neighbours any more." Another neighbor added, "He looks very content and is always happy to say hello to people who recognise him—but I don’t think he’ll be bothered too much around here, as we are used to celebrities frequenting the local hostelries."
Despite the move and the transition to a new chapter as a father, the grief of losing Hurley clearly weighed heavily on Ant. The dog had been a steady presence through some of the most turbulent years of his life, including his highly publicized divorce and subsequent remarriage. Friends and fans alike expressed sympathy for Ant, recognizing the unique pain of losing a pet that had, in many ways, become a symbol of resilience and loyalty.
Meanwhile, Dec has continued to stand by his friend, both in moments of joy and sorrow. As the pair navigate the ups and downs of life in the public eye, their enduring friendship remains a source of comfort—not just for themselves, but for the millions who have grown up watching them. Their ability to balance humor and vulnerability, to share both awkward laughs and heartfelt losses, is perhaps what makes them so relatable, even after 36 years in the spotlight.
As Ant & Dec look ahead to new projects and family milestones, their story serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars face moments of awkwardness and heartbreak. But with friendship, humor, and a bit of Geordie grit, they continue to move forward—one step, and one show, at a time.