Beloved television presenters Ant and Dec have made a major announcement, unveiling a brand new entertainment venture nearly two years after their hit show Saturday Night Takeaway concluded.
Introducing Belta Box: A New Digital Hub
The Geordie duo, who have worked together for over three decades, revealed the launch of Belta Box, a new digital entertainment channel. The platform, announced on the former Saturday Night Takeaway YouTube and Instagram pages, will host a mix of fresh content and nostalgic archive material.
In a video announcement, Ant McPartlin, 50, explained the move, stating: "We’ve spent our whole careers celebrating great entertainment, so launching Belta Box feels like the natural next step." The channel promises to be "packed with feel-good entertainment curated by experts" – a role the pair jokingly assigned to themselves.
The Podcast That Fans Asked For
The flagship offering for Belta Box is their first-ever podcast series, titled 'Hanging Out With Ant and Dec'. The podcast is set to launch on January 22.
Dec Donnelly, also 50, shared the inspiration behind the podcast's casual format: "We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it to be about, and they said we just want you guys to hang out. So that's what we're doing!"
In a candid admission, Dec revealed that the podcast will serve a personal purpose too, noting: "Ant & I don't get to hang out as much as we used to, so it's perfect for us." This marks a rare insight into their off-screen relationship, highlighting how their dynamic has evolved since their early days on Byker Grove.
A Blast from the Past and Fresh Content
Beyond the podcast, Belta Box will serve as a treasure trove for fans. The presenters confirmed the channel will delve into their extensive archive, promising highlights from classic shows like SMTV Live and Byker Grove, with the latter scheduled for release later this year.
The announcement, which effectively rebrands the old Saturday Night Takeaway channel, was met with immediate excitement from fans online. Comments ranged from "Ant & Dec podcast sounds incredible" to expressions of nostalgic farewell for the old channel, coupled with anticipation for the new content.
While the pair continue to front major shows like I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Tipping Point: Lucky Stars, Belta Box represents a direct, digital connection with their audience, offering both a look back at their legendary career and new, original entertainment.
