Ant and Dec's Genuine Kindness Revealed by Co-Star in Touching Off-Camera Moment
A celebrity colleague of iconic television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly has revealed how the duo demonstrated their true colours through a simple yet meaningful act behind the scenes. Former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, who won I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, shared his experience working with the beloved hosts during his time in Australia.
Sam Thompson's Heartfelt Praise for the Presenting Legends
Sam Thompson, aged 33, returned to Australia the following year to present the spin-off show I'm A Celebrity Unpacked alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers. Travelling alone, Thompson found himself feeling isolated until Ant and Dec, who have hosted the main show since its inception in 2002, stepped in to offer their support. In a voice note sent to Ant and Dec's new podcast, Hanging Out, Thompson expressed his gratitude, stating, "They say never meet your heroes. But I'm very glad I did because you guys are just the nicest, most loveliest lads in the world."
He elaborated on their kindness, revealing, "When I was in Australia on my own the lads used to invite me out for a beer and some food because they're such nice people and made me feel very welcome." Thompson concluded his emotional message by calling them "absolute legends" and expressing his love for both presenters, though he admitted to panicking and rambling during the recording.
Mutual Admiration Between the Television Icons and Their Co-Star
The feeling of appreciation was clearly mutual, as both Ant and Dec, each aged 50, responded warmly to Thompson's praise. Ant remarked, "He's a very nice guy, isn't he? And I'm not just saying that because he was very nice about us, he's a genuinely lovely man." Dec added his own compliment, saying, "He is, he's a good soul, he's a good egg." This exchange highlights the genuine camaraderie and respect shared among the television personalities, extending beyond their on-screen roles.
Sam Thompson's victory in the 23rd series of I'm A Celebrity saw him triumph over former boxer Tony Bellew and controversial politician Nigel Farage in the final, cementing his popularity with viewers. His recent revelations about Ant and Dec's hospitality further endear the presenters to fans, showcasing their character away from the limelight.
Ant and Dec's Reflections on Their Career and Future Projects
In related news, Ant recently admitted there is one show he is not keen to host again due to difficulties in controlling the crowd. The duo, who have presented some of the biggest shows on British television over the past few decades, including Britain's Got Talent and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, also discussed their experiences hosting the BRIT Awards. During a podcast episode, Ant expressed relief at not presenting the ceremony this year, stating, "[We've hosted it] three times, never again." He clarified that this decision is not due to a lack of belief in the awards, which he considers beneficial for British music, but rather the challenges of managing the event.
Ant and Dec continue to be a staple of British entertainment, with the latest series of Britain's Got Talent airing on ITV. They are joined by judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI as contestants compete for a place in the live semi-finals. Their enduring success and off-screen kindness, as highlighted by Sam Thompson, reinforce their status as beloved figures in the industry.
