Ant And Dec Sign 3 Year Deal With ITV, Begin Work On Sitcom

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, AKA TV duo 'Ant n Dec,' have signed a further 3 year deal with broadcasters ITV, extending their exclusive contract with the channel to 15 years.

After rising to fame as PJ and Duncan on BBC children's soap Byker Grove, the pair joined ITV in 1998, and started out by presenting Saturday morning shows SM:tv Live alongside Cat Deeley and CD:UK, which lead to eventually signing an exclusive contract with the broadcaster in 2000.

The pair, both 38, said "We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with ITV for a further three years. After 15 years at the network, we are still excited about continuing to make great shows for a great channel," in a joint statement.

ITV's director of television Peter Fincham spoke of the continued contented relationship between the duo and ITV: "Ant and Dec are consummate entertainers, their talent is such that they make it look effortless, and their ability to connect with our audience is unrivalled," he said, via The Guardian.

"Our creative relationship with them is a strong one, and I'm delighted we are extending it," he added.