Ant & Dec have opened up about what they describe as the “biggest fallout” of their 37-year partnership — and remarkably, it all came down to a board game.
The presenting duo, whose friendship dates back to childhood, revealed that they have only ever had one serious argument during their decades working together, and it ended with Declan Donnelly storming off home in a huff. The incident, which they now laugh about, unfolded during a game of ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire — and was serious enough to ensure they’ve never played it again.
Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly first met as teenagers while starring in Byker Grove in 1989, before going on to become one of the most successful double acts in British television history. Over the years, they have fronted some of the biggest shows on UK TV, including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway and Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win.
Despite decades of live television, high-pressure formats and personal challenges, the pair insist that serious conflict between them has been extremely rare.
@antanddec To the pharmacist who asked for a photo… you know where we are The full episode of Hanging Out With Ant & Dec is out now, listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on @Belta Box ♬ original sound - Ant & Dec
Speaking on their podcast, the duo admitted that their only major clash was sparked by a competitive game night. “We had an argument over Who Wants to be a Millionaire board game,” Ant said, describing their only big row. “Dec packed up the board game and went home - like a child.”
Dec was quick to defend himself, firing back: “It was my board game so I took it home because you were a d**k.”
While Ant, 50, protested that he wasn’t, Dec doubled down, adding: “You were so vindictive as a game show host.”
The argument centred around a question involving famous crime writers, and Dec’s decision to think aloud proved costly. Recalling the moment, he explained: “I go, 'It's either Agatha Christie or Ruth Rendell,' and I made the mistake of saying it out loud.”
Dec continued: “I said, 'I'll take the 50-50 lifeline.' You then give the question over and the question master closes two windows. He closed the other two and left Agath Christie and Ruth Rendell.”
A clearly unapologetic Ant defended his actions, replying: “Of course I did! Valid! I was clever and valid. I was not vindictive. Clever and valid. It's what Chris Tarrant would have done. It's what the computer would have done.”
The situation escalated quickly. “Anyway, Dec used a very loud expletive then packed up the board game and went home,” Ant added.
Dec confirmed: “I did. That was the end of the game. We've never played it since.”
@antanddec Happy 25 years @I'm A Celebrity... ♬ original sound - Ant & Dec
While the story is played largely for laughs, it offers a rare insight into the dynamics of one of television’s most enduring partnerships. Known for their seamless chemistry and shared sense of humour, Ant and Dec have long credited their success to mutual trust, respect and an ability to keep work and friendship in balance.
Their relationship has also weathered more serious challenges, including Ant’s well-documented struggles with addiction and his temporary step back from television in 2018. Throughout that period, Dec publicly supported his longtime friend, reinforcing the depth of their bond beyond the screen.
Now firmly back at the top of British television, the pair continue to dominate ratings and awards ceremonies alike, regularly taking home top honours at the National Television Awards. Their ability to laugh at themselves — and at long-forgotten rows over board games — remains a key part of their appeal.
As for the infamous Who Wants To Be A Millionaire game, it seems some wounds never fully heal. But after nearly four decades together, one dramatic storm-off hardly dents the legacy of a duo whose friendship has outlasted most partnerships in entertainment.
