Ant and Dec Apologise

Ant and Dec have withdrawn a promotional clip for their new podcast and issued an apology after viewers raised concerns that the imagery evoked themes of suicide.

The short video, shared on the duo’s social media channels to promote Hanging Out with Ant and Dec, showed the presenters dangling from a washing line in a sight gag intended to play on the podcast’s title. However, the opening shot—which lingered on a pair of feet suspended in mid-air—quickly drew criticism from some viewers, who said the visual was insensitive and potentially triggering.

Mental health campaigners, including former The X Factor contestant Katie Waissel, were quick to criticise the promo, as charities and social media users questioned how the concept had been signed off before release. While some viewers responded with jokes online, criticism escalated rapidly, with negative reactions spreading within hours of the video being published.

The advert was soon taken down, prompting a public response from Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. In a joint statement, the presenters said: “We did not mean to cause any offence with this promo video and we are sorry if it has upset anyone. We have taken on board the comments and have deleted the video.”

The incident has prompted renewed discussion around responsibility in entertainment marketing, particularly for high-profile figures with vast online followings. Mental health organisations, including the Samaritans, were contacted for comment as the story developed.

Set to launch on 22 January, Hanging Out with Ant and Dec is billed as an unscripted series in which the long-running TV partners reflect on their lives and careers. The pair, who first rose to prominence on the early-1990s children’s drama Byker Grove, remain among the UK’s most recognisable television faces.

They were last seen on screen in December hosting the latest run of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, a series that also generated headlines after viewers revisited a long-rumoured past rivalry involving contestant Kelly Brook. Away from the jungle, the presenters continue to balance their mainstream appeal with the increasing scrutiny that comes with expanding into new formats such as podcasting—where tone, context and audience impact can be judged just as quickly as a prime-time broadcast.