Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have undoubtedly become household names, dominating television screens with their infectious charm and impeccable hosting skills. From their early days in Byker Grove to their iconic stints on SM:tv Live and Britain’s Got Talent, the dynamic duo has carved out a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
However, amidst their extensive catalogue of hit shows, there are some gems that may have slipped under the radar. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the TV ventures that have faded from memory.
Gimme 5 (1994)
Long before SM:tv Live propelled them to stardom, Ant and Dec ventured into the world of kids’ TV presenting with Gimme 5 on CITV. Although short-lived, this Saturday morning show laid the foundation for their future success, leading to other ventures like The Ant And Dec Show and Ant And Dec Unzipped.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Friends Like These (1999)
In 1999, Ant and Dec ventured into the realm of game shows with Friends Like These. The BBC series featured two teams of best friends competing in a series of challenges, showcasing the duo’s versatility as hosts beyond their usual Saturday morning slot.
(Image: BBC)
Slap Bang (2001)
While Saturday Night Takeaway reigns supreme in the hearts of fans, its predecessor, Slap Bang, failed to capture the same magic. Despite its ambitious attempt to cater to adult viewers with chaotic sketches, including a recurring parody of Cheers co-starring EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, and celebrity segments, the show struggled to find its footing and was ultimately short-lived.
Ant And Dec’s Gameshow Marathon (2005)
Ant and Dec’s love for game shows was evident in this celebratory series, which revived classic ITV formats for a new generation of viewers. With a star-studded lineup of celebrities competing in nostalgic game show revivals, the duo proved their knack for entertaining audiences across various genres.
(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
PokerFace (2006)
In a departure from their usual hosting duties, Ant and Dec ventured into the world of quiz shows with PokerFace. Despite its complex format, the show captivated audiences with its high-stakes gameplay and suspenseful moments, showcasing the duo’s versatility as hosts.
(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
Wanna Bet? (2008)
Taking their talents stateside, Ant and Dec hosted the US version of You Bet with Wanna Bet? The show, which featured celebrities predicting the outcome of bizarre challenges, demonstrated their global appeal but failed to resonate with audiences, leading to its cancellation after one season.
Ant And Dec’s Push The Button (2010)
During a brief hiatus from Saturday Night Takeaway, Ant and Dec introduced Push The Button, a primetime game show filled with quirky challenges and cash prizes. Despite its entertaining premise, the show failed to replicate the success of their flagship series.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Red Or Black? (2011)
While Red Or Black? may have garnered attention for its ambitious million-pound prize, the show faced criticism and controversy for its high-risk format. Despite international adaptations, including a Ukrainian version hosted by future president Volodymyr Zelensky, the show failed to maintain its momentum and was ultimately discontinued.
Text Santa (2011)
Ant and Dec lent their support to charitable causes with ITV’s Text Santa, a festive telethon aimed at raising funds for various organisations. Their involvement highlighted their philanthropic endeavours and commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment world.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
View news Source: https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/ant-dec-forgotten-tv-shows-32602277
