January 3rd 2025.
Performing as drag queens held a much greater significance for the LGBTQ+ community than Ant and Dec initially realized. As we sit together in the ITV studio, Declan Donnelly - one half of the beloved duo - reflects on the unexpected impact their drag personas, Lady Antionette and Miss Donna Lee, had on viewers.
Ant McPartlin and Dec have been a dynamic duo for the past 30 years, winning over the hearts of the nation as the country's most cherished and valued presenters. Their success is undeniable, with everything they touch turning into gold. However, they have not achieved their impressive record of 24 NTAs for best presenter by playing it safe. Even when they were unaware of the risk they were taking.
The statement made by Dec during an episode of Saturday Night Takeaway on February 19, 2022, took many by surprise. As they introduced Lady Antionette and Miss Donna Lee, their new drag queen alter egos, to viewers, the impact on the LGBTQ+ community was much larger than they could have ever imagined. Even two years later, just the appearance of a drag queen on mainstream television during the Christmas period would spark a flurry of complaints and become a trending topic on social media, particularly on the X platform.
In a time when the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens are often subjected to unnecessary scrutiny and criticism, Ant and Dec's celebration of drag culture with sincerity and care was a welcome change. It was a statement of support and solidarity, a way of saying "we've got your back" when it felt like a brave thing to do.
Lady Antionette and Miss Donna Lee's appearance on Saturday Night Takeaway may just be the beginning. Despite the inevitable backlash and complaints from viewers, Ant and Dec have been in talks to bring back their drag personas. When the topic of Mighty Hoopla, London's biggest celebration of queer culture, comes up, their representative - who also happens to represent the Brixton festival - hints that plans are in motion. Dec confirms, "The plan was to bring the girls back for Mighty Hoopla. And we were like, 'it took us four hours to get into those heels.' I have a newfound respect for anyone who can perform in high heels."
Their enthusiasm for their drag personas is evident, with Ant even admitting that he "loved it." He credits the talented makeup artist Raven for making him look "20 years younger" and acknowledges the effort and skill that goes into drag performances. It was a learning experience for both of them, but one that they thoroughly enjoyed.
Ant and Dec may have built their brand by being lighthearted and playful on camera, but make no mistake - they are a force to be reckoned with in the television industry. Their production company, Mitre, is responsible for some of the biggest shows on ITV, including DNA Journey, In For A Penny, Saturday Night Takeaway, and their latest hit, Limitless Win. Their track record of success is unmatched.
One common theme in all of Ant and Dec's shows is their ambition and scope, always pushing the boundaries and taking on challenges that others may shy away from. From hosting the biggest variety show of all time to finding Britain's next big pop star, they are always one step ahead. And let's not forget that they were the first to send celebrities into the jungle and have them eat kangaroo testicles.
Their latest show, Limitless Win, is no exception. It is the adrenaline-fueled game show that we all need to brighten up a dreary January. Its jackpot is unlike any other game show in Britain, with the potential to bankrupt ITV. Contestants must answer questions that may seem simple but require a bit of thought. For example, "how many pieces are in a chocolate orange?" As Ant says, "we want to give away the biggest TV prize ever given away in the world."
Last year, the show gave away a staggering £1.75 million, including a whopping £1 million to one lucky couple. This series, there may be even more money up for grabs. When asked if anyone has the nerve to walk away with the jackpot, Dec smirks and says, "you'll have to tune in to find out." The show is designed for anyone to play along, regardless of their knowledge or intelligence. That's the beauty of it - it's just pure fun.
Limitless Win is following in the footsteps of perhaps the best series of I'm A Celebrity in a long time. In previous years, the enjoyment of the show was overshadowed by the presence of two of the most despised politicians in the UK, Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock. However, last year saw Hancock seeking redemption and Farage using the platform to connect with the public.
Ant and Dec, the beloved duo known for their successful television ventures, recently discovered the true impact of their performances as drag queens. In a candid interview, Declan Donnelly, or Dec as he is commonly known, revealed that they had not initially realized the significance of their actions until after the fact.
Sitting across from me in ITV's studio, Dec shared, "I think we realized it was a statement to a degree, but I don't think we realized how big a statement it was until afterwards." He was referring to the moment when he and his partner, Ant McPartlin, introduced their drag queen personas, Lady Antionette and Miss Donna Lee, at the end of an episode of Saturday Night Takeaway.
For the LGBTQ+ community, this was a groundbreaking moment that meant so much more than Ant and Dec could have ever imagined. Despite being the most cherished and valued presenters in the country, with a track record of successful shows and numerous awards, they had never shied away from taking risks. But this time, they didn't even realize the risk they were taking.
The appearance of drag queens on mainstream television, even two years later, still sparks controversy and complaints on social media. But in a world where the LGBTQ+ community is constantly under scrutiny, Ant and Dec's celebration of drag queens with authenticity and care meant the world to them. It was a statement of support and acceptance, a way of saying, "we've got your back" when it felt braver than it should to do so.
The impact of this moment was not lost on Ant and Dec, who have been in talks to bring back their drag queen personas for a potential appearance at Mighty Hoopla, London's biggest celebration of queer culture. "We have talked about it," their representative chimed in, adding, "The plan was to bring the girls back." Dec confirmed, "Miss Donna Lee and Lady Antionette to do Mighty Hoopla. And we're like, 'it took us four in hours to get into that.' I've got a new found respect for anybody in high heels."
Their enthusiasm and newfound appreciation for drag queens were evident as they reminisced about the experience. Ant gushed, "I loved it. I loved the makeup artist Raven did my make-up and I instantly looked 20 years younger." But they also acknowledged the effort and skill that goes into being a drag artist, and they had to put in rehearsals and a lot of time and effort to perfect their personas.
As much as Ant and Dec are known for their fun and lighthearted on-screen personas, they are also a tour de force of television. Their production company, Mitre, is behind some of the most successful shows on ITV, including DNA Journey, In For A Penny, and their latest hit, Limitless Win. Their shows are known for their ambition and scope, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on television.
Limitless Win, their adrenaline-pumping game show where contestants can win a sky-high jackpot, is returning for another season this weekend. Ant shared, "I'd be lying if ITV didn't say they were nervous, but we're on the side of the contestant. We want them to go as high as possible." Last year, the show gave away a whopping £1.75 million, including a million pounds to one couple alone. The stakes are higher than ever, and Ant and Dec are thrilled to be a part of such a generous and exciting show.
But it's not just about the money. Dec explained, "There is a huge portion of the audience who are never going to become a millionaire on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, because none of us know those questions. But on this, you never know, and it's important that the whole family can play along." That's the magic of their shows – they're just pure fun, without trying to be anything else.
As Ant and Dec gear up for another season of Limitless Win, they reflect on the success of their recent venture, I'm A Celebrity. After a few years of backlash and controversy surrounding some of the contestants, they had a standout season with a fantastic lineup. "That's not our place," Dec laughed, referring to the serious and intellectual nature of shows like Mastermind.
Ultimately, Ant and Dec's success lies in their ability to connect with their audience and provide entertainment that is just pure fun. As they continue to innovate and push the boundaries on television, one thing is for sure – they will always have the support and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community, who they have shown time and time again that they have their backs.
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