Britain's favourite TV duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly make surprising new career move

Britain's most beloved presenting duo, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have announced the launch of their first-ever podcast series, Hanging Out With Ant & Dec.

The long-time pals, both 50, revealed the exciting news on Friday, confirming the first episode will air on January 22. 

The podcast will be hosted on their newly launched digital entertainment channel, Belta Box, which will also feature brand-new digital formats alongside classic Ant and Dec moments from some of their best-loved shows. 

Belta Box will be available across several major digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 

Now juggling busy lives as fathers to young children, the duo admitted they created the podcast as a way to spend more time together, just like they used to. 

The series will be completely unscripted, with no agenda and no interruptions, and will simply see the pair catching up, reminiscing about their decades-long friendship and reflecting on their careers.

Britain's most beloved presenting duo, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have announced the launch of their first-ever podcast series, Hanging Out With Ant & Dec

The long-time pals, both 50, revealed the exciting news on Friday, confirming the first episode will air on January 22. Episodes will be released bi-weekly, with an additional bonus episode landing every Monday

Fans will also be encouraged to get involved, with viewers and listeners able to shape the conversation each week, whether that's asking the duo to relive their most iconic TV moments, seeking advice, or sharing personal anecdotes. 

Episodes will be released bi-weekly from January 22, with an additional bonus episode landing every Monday. 

Speaking about the new venture, Ant said: 'We’ve spent our whole careers celebrating great entertainment, so launching Belta Box feels like the natural next step. 

'Alongside our new podcast, we’re excited to create a space packed with fun, feel-good content that brings people together—no matter where they’re watching or listening.' 

Meanwhile, Dec added: 'What better way to launch Belta Box than with our first ever podcast series! 

'We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said we just want you guys to hang out. So that's what we're doing! Ant & I don't get to hang out as much as we used to, so it's perfect for us.' 

Ed Sleeman, Managing Director at Mitre Studios, said: 'Launching Belta Box represents a natural and exciting evolution for Mitre Studios. 

'The brand gives us the freedom to create digital-first content across multiple platforms, and entering the podcast space for the first time with the launch of Hanging Out with Ant and Dec, which will be available to watch on the Belta Box YouTube channel, is a significant and energising moment for the company.' 

The podcast will be hosted on their newly launched digital entertainment channel, Belta Box, which will also feature brand-new digital formats alongside classic Ant and Dec moments from some of their best-loved shows (both pictured on their show Limitless Win last year)

Jules McGill, Head of Digital & Social Content at Mitre Studios, added: 'We’re excited to be starting the year with the launch of Belta Box. 

'This marks a big moment for us as we continue to grow our digital output and embark on a fresh creative journey. 

'Belta Box will serve as the home for innovative, digital-first content, bringing the Mitre Studios signature brand of fun to new audiences across digital platforms. Kicking things off with our debut podcast is just the beginning.' 

Hanging Out With Ant and Dec will be available wherever you get your podcasts, with extended video episodes available to watch on the Belta Box YouTube channel. 

Listeners can also keep up to date with the podcast and get involved across Ant and Dec and Belta Box's social media channels.