The much-loved presenting duo, who have entertained British audiences together for more than three decades, sparked disappointment after confirming that their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant and Dec, is preparing to broadcast its final episode of the current series.

The announcement comes at a particularly busy moment for the television favourites, with preparations underway for another season of jungle drama, celebrity challenges and unforgettable moments in Australia.

But while viewers can look forward to seeing Ant and Dec reunited on television, their latest announcement means fans will temporarily lose another way of keeping up with the pair.

A DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT THAT CAUGHT FANS’ ATTENTION

Ant and Dec shared the news through their joint Instagram account, releasing a deliberately theatrical promotional video announcing the conclusion of their podcast’s current run.

The pair confirmed that the upcoming instalment would mark the end of a remarkable 80-episode series, bringing their latest broadcasting adventure to a temporary close.

Their accompanying message explained that they had thoroughly enjoyed producing the podcast and decided to celebrate its final episode with an exaggerated, dramatic trailer.

In typical Ant and Dec fashion, however, the announcement came with a humorous twist.

They jokingly admitted that the dramatic trailer had absolutely nothing to do with the actual contents of the upcoming episode, poking fun at the increasingly sensational promotional techniques used to attract online audiences.

Despite the lighthearted presentation, the underlying news was genuine: the current podcast series is ending.

Importantly, the duo have not announced a permanent cancellation, leaving open the possibility that the programme could return in the future.

THE END OF AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER

The podcast represented a significant milestone for the presenters, who announced the project in January as their first venture into the format after more than 30 years working together.

Having originally met while appearing as PJ and Duncan in the children’s television drama Byker Grove during the early 1990s, Ant and Dec went on to become two of Britain’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.

Their partnership has produced an extraordinary television career, including major presenting roles on Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Unlike their carefully structured television productions, Hanging Out with Ant and Dec offered audiences a more informal opportunity to enjoy their conversations, humour and longstanding friendship.

Across 80 episodes, the series gave the duo another platform to connect with listeners beyond their familiar Saturday-night entertainment appearances.

For followers who enjoyed that relaxed format, the temporary farewell marks the end of a familiar routine.

I’M A CELEBRITY RETURNS WITH A SCHEDULE SHAKE-UP

Fortunately, fans will not have to wait long before seeing Ant and Dec back together on television.

ITV has confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will return on Monday, November 16, at 9pm, airing on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

The programme had reportedly been expected to begin one day earlier, but its launch was pushed back amid scheduling arrangements involving ITV’s coverage of the UEFA Nations League.

England’s match against Spain in Madrid, scheduled for an 8.45pm kick-off, reportedly contributed to the change.

The upcoming series will once again see a fresh group of celebrities travel to Australia, where they will face the familiar challenges of jungle life under the watchful eyes of the presenting duo.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR ANT AND DEC?

For now, the presenters appear focused on wrapping up their podcast series before returning to one of television’s biggest entertainment programmes.

Although the dramatic announcement initially suggested a major development, the news concerns their podcast rather than their future as hosts of I’m A Celebrity.

There has been no indication that their longstanding television partnership is ending.

Nevertheless, the timing has given fans plenty to discuss, with the podcast’s conclusion arriving just as excitement builds around the jungle show’s return.

And while the final episode of Hanging Out with Ant and Dec marks a temporary goodbye to one project, it also raises an intriguing possibility.

After 80 episodes and another successful chapter in their remarkable partnership, could Ant and Dec eventually bring their podcast back for a second series?

For now, that question remains unanswered — but their return to the Australian jungle is already firmly on the horizon.