Ant and Dec’s Incredible Earnings for I’m A Celebrity 2024: How Much the Geordie Duo Really Make
Returning to the Jungle for Another Record-Breaking Season
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, universally known as Ant and Dec, have returned to host the 2024 season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! once again proving why they remain two of the UK’s most bankable television presenters. Having fronted the show for over two decades spanning seasons filmed both in Australia and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic the duo continues to draw record audiences, elevate ITV’s advertising revenue, and cement their status as cultural icons.
While their on-screen chemistry and humor are central to the show’s appeal, it is their staggering pay that continues to capture headlines.
How Much Do Ant and Dec Make?
Reports suggest that Ant and Dec earn £3.3 million each per month for their presenting duties on I’m A Celebrity. This pay forms part of a wider, multi-million-pound “golden handcuffs” contract with ITV, which also covers their hosting roles on Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway, and Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win.
Sources indicate that the original three-year agreement, valued at £40 million, could rise to £50 million if the contract is extended beyond its current term.
“Ant and Dec are among the most commercially valuable presenters in British television,” said Mark Thompson, a media analyst with Enders Analysis. “Their presence drives ratings, advertising revenue, and international licensing deals. The contracts reflect not just talent but measurable commercial impact.”
The duo’s lucrative fees are a reflection of their ability to consistently deliver top ratings, with I’m A Celebrity regularly topping the UK’s weekly TV audience charts.
From Byker Grove to Billion-Pound Brand: The Career of Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec’s journey began in the 1990s on the children’s series Byker Grove, where they earned a modest £100 per day. From there, they launched a music career under their characters PJ and Duncan, achieving chart success with hits like Let’s Get Ready To Rumble.
Their transition to full-time television presenting in the late 1990s marked a turning point, with shows like SMTV Live and CD:UK introducing their trademark humor to a new generation. Hosting Pop Idol in 2001 propelled them into mainstream fame, eventually leading to their tenure on ITV flagship shows, which solidified their financial and cultural status.
Today, their individual net worth is estimated at around £62 million each, thanks to a combination of salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
The Financial Value of Ant and Dec to ITV
Ant and Dec are not just presenters; they are strategic assets for ITV. Their involvement in I’m A Celebrity ensures high viewership, which translates directly into advertising revenue and sponsorship deals.
Dr. Laura Simmons, a media economics expert at Oxford University, explains:
“The financial impact of high-profile presenters like Ant and Dec goes far beyond their salaries. They drive audience loyalty, attract premium advertisers, and increase the value of global licensing rights for ITV’s content. Their fees are justified by the revenue they generate multiple times over.”
The duo’s contracts also include performance incentives and bonuses tied to viewership and digital engagement, ensuring their earnings scale with the show’s commercial success.
Global Appeal and Adaptability
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ant and Dec demonstrated remarkable adaptability by presenting the show from Wales instead of the Australian jungle. This flexibility ensured continuity of the brand and maintained audience engagement. Their international recognition further amplifies ITV’s reach, contributing to global streaming, syndication, and merchandising opportunities, which adds an additional layer of financial benefit to their already substantial contracts.
The Broader Implications for Television Hosts
For CEOs, executives, and media companies, Ant and Dec’s earnings highlight key lessons in talent management and strategic investment. High-profile presenters are not merely faces of shows; they are revenue-generating assets whose value extends into branding, audience retention, and investor confidence. Contracts for such talent must balance competitive remuneration with performance metrics, ensuring a clear return on investment.
“Investing in top-tier talent is critical for broadcasters competing in an increasingly fragmented media landscape,” says Sarah Green, partner at Pinsent Masons. “The right presenters can directly affect advertising, subscription revenue, and platform growth, justifying multi-million-pound contracts.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future of UK Television
As Ant and Dec continue their tenure with ITV, their earnings and influence are likely to grow. With a reported monthly payout of £3.3 million each and the potential for contract extensions, the duo remains among the highest-paid television presenters in the UK.
For ITV, their continued involvement ensures both ratings dominance and financial stability in prime-time broadcasting, while for the duo, it solidifies their status as one of Britain’s most successful and enduring entertainment partnerships.
