Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDeclan Donnelly became emotional while reading a letter to his younger self and presenting partner, Ant McPartlin, during an episode of their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. In the letter, Donnelly reassured a young McPartlin, who later struggled with painkiller addiction and alcoholism, that “it will all be OK,” acknowledging the difficulties he would face. Donnelly expressed immense pride in McPartlin for taking responsibility and actively working on himself to overcome his past struggles, stating he is now a “much better person”. McPartlin reflected on his journey to sobriety, describing himself as the happiest he has been in a long time and crediting his 'understanding business partner and best friend' for his support. The letter also celebrated their enduring friendship, which Donnelly stated is 'even stronger in 2026' than in the 1990s, and touched upon their shared career highs and lows from 'Byker Grove' to their successful presenting roles. In fullDeclan Donnelly fights back tears as he shares advice for young Ant McPartlinMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Declan Donnelly tells Ant McPartlin ‘it will all be OK’ in emotional podcast moment
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDeclan Donnelly became emotional while reading a letter to his younger self and presenting partner, Ant McPartlin, during an episode of their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. In the letter, Donnelly reassured a young McPartlin, who later struggled with painkiller addiction and alcoholism, that “it will all be OK,” acknowledging the difficulties he would face. Donnelly expressed immense pride in McPartlin for taking responsibility and actively working on himself to overcome his past struggles, stating he is now a “much better person”. McPartlin reflected on his journey to sobriety, describing himself as the happiest he has been in a long time and crediting his 'understanding business partner and best friend' for his support. The letter also celebrated their enduring friendship, which Donnelly stated is 'even stronger in 2026' than in the 1990s, and touched upon their shared career highs and lows from 'Byker Grove' to their successful presenting roles. In fullDeclan Donnelly fights back tears as he shares advice for young Ant McPartlinMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
