Declan Donnelly, 50, became emotional during a segment of the Hanging Out podcast with his best friend Ant McPartlin, 50, as he read a letter to his younger self. The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! host's voice cracked when he warned his co-host: 'This might be a hard bit.'
Emotional Letter Reading
In a preview shared on the duo's Instagram page, Donnelly took a deep breath and read: 'Say hi to 1994 Ant for me. Tell him to remember he's a great kid, and it will all be ok. Even when it feels like it won't. Look out for each other, enjoy the ride and hey, respect guys. Love from future Dec.' McPartlin replied: 'Yeah, I bet man.'
Fan Reactions
Fans flooded the comments, expressing their support. One wrote: 'Oh dear this one will hit me. Love you both millions xxx.' Another said: 'Why did this make me cry. Your both brilliant & I’m loving the podcast x' A follower added: 'Aww that was so heartfelt. I love the camaraderie that's between you both.' An Instagram user commented: 'Your friendship has stood the test of time, ups & downs but your both there for each other, love it ... keep smashing it.'
Decades-Long Friendship
The Britain's Got Talent presenters have been friends since meeting on the set of Byker Grove in the 1980s. They have supported each other through children, weddings, and a divorce. McPartlin turned his life around after a drink-driving conviction in 2018 and sought treatment for painkiller and alcohol addiction. He previously said his problems 'disappeared' once he opened up about his struggles.
McPartlin's Reflection
Earlier this year, McPartlin appeared on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast and reflected on that time: 'I'm reading about this other person who doesn't exist. That's not me. And as long as you remember that, and if you're a good person, you're still trying to be a good man. I'm trying to turn my life around and I'm a better man now than I was 10 years ago. I'm happy with that. So somebody's opinion piece won't change my day. But you have to have a real sense of self, yourself. Like you have to really know who you are, which I think is weirdly harder than it sounds.'
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk.
