Popular television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have been forced to delete a promotional video for their new podcast after it sparked widespread criticism for its perceived insensitivity towards suicide.
Promotional Misstep Sparks Outrage
The Geordie duo, known collectively as Ant and Dec, shared the clip on their official X account on Friday evening to their 5.9 million followers. The video was intended to announce their new podcast, 'Hanging Out With Ant and Dec,' which is set to launch on Thursday 22nd January. The opening shot showed shoes and trouser legs dangling above the ground, with the pair later seen suspended from a washing line.
However, the imagery quickly prompted a fierce backlash from fans and mental health advocates. Many found the visual of dangling legs to be a distressing allusion to suicide and accused the presenters of being 'insensitive' and 'triggering'. The video was live for less than 24 hours before being removed by 11am on Saturday morning.
Criticism from Followers and Advocates
The criticism was swift and severe. One social media user commented, 'As someone who has lost a close friend to suicide, I get why this can be seen as triggering and insensitive.' Another asked, 'Who in their right mind would think showing legs dangling as a start of an advertisement is a good idea?'
Former The X Factor contestant and mental health advocate Katie Waissel was among those who publicly condemned the post. She described the creative direction as 'genuinely sickening and deeply disappointing', stating the suicide imagery was impossible to ignore. Waissel emphasised that with such a large platform, the duo had a duty to act responsibly, calling the promotion 'triggering, insensitive, and frankly reckless'.
Fallout and Future for ITV's Golden Boys
The incident is particularly notable given Ant and Dec's previous vocal support for mental health campaigns, including ITV's 2021 Britain Get Talking initiative. Representatives for the presenters have been contacted regarding the removal, but neither Ant nor Dec has made a public statement.
This controversy comes just weeks after the pair secured a reported £30 million deal with ITV, ensuring they remain key faces for the broadcaster until at least 2028. The duo, who first found fame on Byker Grove, front major shows like I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and Britain's Got Talent.
The promotional clip has now been removed from all official channels, underscoring the fine line public figures must walk in marketing and the powerful impact of imagery associated with mental health and suicide.
