Iconic Duo Considered Walking Away from Long-Running Talent Show
Television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have disclosed a dramatic moment in their careers when they seriously contemplated leaving their hosting duties on Britain's Got Talent. The beloved Geordie duo, who have fronted the popular ITV talent competition since its inception in 2007, revealed that they travelled to Los Angeles to personally inform head judge Simon Cowell of their decision to depart the programme.
Frustration Over Timekeeping and Reduced Screen Time
During a candid conversation on the Stick To Football podcast, Ant explained the primary catalyst for their potential exit. The presenters expressed growing dissatisfaction with Cowell's habitual lateness during filming, which significantly impacted their experience on set. Ant described the music mogul as "a really charming bloke with a great sense of humour" and emphasised their generally positive relationship, built on mutual honesty and respect.
However, he elaborated: "We've been annoyed at him a few times over the years. We went to LA to see him to tell him we were going to leave Britain's Got Talent because we weren't having a very nice time. He was always late; it was gone through his period where he would just never turn up on time."
Cowell's Persuasive Intervention and Emotional Plea
Dec provided further context, noting that their involvement in the show had been diminishing, leading them to question whether to redirect their energies elsewhere. He recounted how Cowell responded with immediate reassurance upon hearing their intentions. The judge promised to improve his punctuality and ensure the hosts received more prominent featuring and enjoyment in future episodes.
Dec recalled the emotional climax of their lunch meeting: "So we sat there having lunch and he went 'I can't believe you were thinking of leaving' and he leaned over in the restaurant in the middle of LA and started tickling me going 'you will never leave me'." This lighthearted yet earnest interaction ultimately convinced the pair to remain with the programme.
Historical Context and Recent Controversies
This revelation about Cowell's poor timekeeping aligns with previous accounts from other show alumni. Former judge David Walliams has publicly confirmed that the music mogul possesses "zero sense of timekeeping" and has been known to arrive at auditions up to five hours behind schedule.
The disclosure comes amidst a challenging period for Ant and Dec, following significant backlash against the promotional material for their new podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. The inaugural advert, which depicted the presenters pegged to a clothesline, was criticised by mental health charity Mind as "incredibly damaging" and described on social media platforms as "triggering" and "deeply disappointing".
Despite these recent controversies, the duo's longstanding tenure on Britain's Got Talent appears secure following their frank discussion with Cowell, highlighting the complex dynamics behind one of British television's most enduring partnerships.
