Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have unveiled a fresh promotional clip for their forthcoming podcast, opting for a stripped-back approach following controversy over their initial advertisement.
The beloved Geordie presenters shared the new video on Instagram, taking viewers on a tour of their recording space ahead of the launch of Hanging Out with Ant & Dec on January 22.
The replacement promo adopts a more personal, homemade aesthetic compared to its predecessor, which was pulled after widespread criticism.
Rather than elaborate staging, the pair simply guide audiences through their studio, showcasing various items of memorabilia collected throughout their decades-long career in entertainment.
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The controversial video was promoting Ant and Dec's upcoming podcast
| X: ANT AND DECThe deliberately understated nature of the new clip stands in stark contrast to the original advertisement, which provoked fierce condemnation from mental health organisations and social media users alike.
The original promotional video depicted the television duo suspended from a washing line in a garden setting, with the footage opening on shots of their feet hanging in mid-air.
In the clip, Dec could be heard asking whether Ant had agreed to the concept, to which his co-presenter replied that he had assumed it was Dec's suggestion.
"This is not what we meant by 'hanging out'," Dec quipped, before the camera pulled back to reveal both men pegged to the line by their hoodies.
Ant and Dec apologised and took down the original video after acknowledging the concerns raised
| ITV/InstagramMany viewers interpreted the imagery as evoking suicide-related content, with the visual of dangling feet proving particularly distressing for some.
Social media users branded the advertisement "triggering" and "deeply disappointing," while calls mounted for its immediate removal.
The presenters subsequently apologised and took down the video after acknowledging the concerns raised.
Mind, one of the UK's foremost mental health charities, condemned the original advertisement as "incredibly damaging" for those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement through suicide.
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Rehema Figueiredo, Head of Media at Mind, told Metro: "We appreciate that Ant and Dec have apologised and removed this content, but this situation shows that progress is still needed on responsible depictions of suicide."
She added: "Imagery that suggests or shows suicide or self-harm can be incredibly damaging for those of us who have experienced suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or who have lost someone to suicide."
The charity highlighted that missteps around suicide-related language and imagery remain all too common in media.
Mind noted that its recent research revealed public attitudes towards mental health in 2024 had declined to levels below those recorded 15 years earlier, underscoring the critical importance of responsible portrayals.
The replacement promotional video showcases an array of keepsakes adorning the studio shelves, including protective headgear from their Ant vs. Dec segments and a Taste Mates mug.
Ant drew particular attention to what he playfully described as his "favourite item" – a ceramic banana holder fashioned in the shape of bananas.
Dec presented what he initially claimed was "the actual mask from PJ and Duncan," before swiftly clarifying that it was in fact a replica.
The pair also displayed their illuminated "On Air" sign, along with framed garments they jested were worn during their Let's Get Ready to Rhumble music video performance.
Ant and Dec have been familiar faces on screens for decades | ITV An "original Cheese Bag t-shirt" also featured among the displayed items.
The video concluded with the duo extending an invitation to fans to "come and hang out" when their podcast debuts on Thursday.
The revised promotional material has garnered an enthusiastic reception from supporters, with Instagram users expressing their eagerness for the podcast's arrival.
Comments beneath the new video included messages such as "Cant wait to listen and hopefully watch on YouTube." Another read: "So excited for this!!"
In response to the initial backlash, Ant and Dec issued a statement acknowledging the upset caused.
"We did not mean to cause any offence with this promo video, and we are sorry if it has upset anyone," they said. "We have taken on board the comments and have deleted the video."
X Factor contestant Katie Waissel was among those who voiced strong objections to the original advertisement.
"This needs to be pulled and readdressed immediately," she stated. "You can promote a show without normalising imagery that could genuinely distress people."