DECLAN Donnelly was left fighting back tears as he shared an emotional message on his latest podcast episode.
The TV presenter revealed that he had written a letter to his younger self, as she shared some very important life advice.
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Declan Donnelly choked back tears as he shared an emotional message with Ant McPartlin Credit: YouTube/Belta Box
Ant also became emotional as his best friend read out a letter to his younger self Credit: YouTube/Belta Box
Speaking on Hanging Out with Ant and Dec podcast, the latter shared a rare emotional insight into his personal life, as he said that family, friends and being able to “smell the flowers” are some of the most precious things to him.
He started off the letter by saying: “Dear Declan, it’s me/you from the future, 2026.
“Sounds exciting, right. Well, I’m sad to report we’re not yet travelling around in hover cars, nor do we have robo servants.
“What I wanted to write you this letter to tell you that I’ve found and I’ve just finished reading the diary you kept in March and April 1994 on yours and Ant’s new podcast.
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Dec shared some important life advice with his listeners on their latest podcast episode Credit: YouTube/Belta Box
Ant and Dec were then seen sharing a hug following the emotional letter Credit: YouTube/Belta Box
“I realised pretty much all of that information will make no sense at all, as you haven’t been introduced to the internet, you don’t know what an email is and you haven’t started texting – that’s coming later this year when you get your first Nokia 2110.
“It’s brought back a lot of memories from that time, things I’d have forgotten to be honest and it’s reminded me how life felt a bit back then.
“I remember it was exciting and exhilarating, yet daunting and bewildering, thrilling and intoxicating, yet intense and exhausting.
“I know you think you and Ant have left to go on a bit of an adventure for a few weeks but and you don’t realise it yet but you’ve both left home now and your lives will never return to how they have been.”
Moved by Dec’s words, an emotional Ant said: “Awww, but it turned out alright.”
Dec went on to share some advice that he wish he could tell his younger self, including nurturing friendships, like his and Ant’s.
Dec continued: “I don’t want to reveal too much of what happens next because you need to live the next adventure ahead and experience the highs and lows and the lessons they’ll teach you. Those lessons will make you the man you are today.
“However, I have a few words of advice to make the next part of your life and the ride that is ahead a bit more enjoyable.”
He shared: “Grab every opportunity that comes your way and give it your all. I know this foundation has been laid by the wonderful people you work with on Byker Grove and rest assured they’ve set you on the right path.
“Treasure the true friendships you make, lots of people will come and go but the true friendships last, don’t take them for granted though, they must be nurtured.
“That’s why I know this will be no spoiler, yours and Ant’s friendship will endure through thick and thin and if you can believe it, it’s even stronger in 2026 than it is there now.
“Stop and smell the flowers from time to time and don’t pay so much attention to the weeds.
“Don’t worry so much about things not being perfect and what’s coming next and have those anxieties ruin the present.
“Enjoy what’s coming your way and appreciate it.”
Dec’s voice then began to break as he became choked up.
Will be voice trembling, he continued: “Get home as much as you can,” fighting back tears, he said: “It’s just hard…”
Dec said: “Get home as much as you can, your family has given you the best start in life.
“Your success if their success, so share it with them.
“You’ll miss them and Newcastle more than you know but they’ll always be there for you, but they’re not always going to be there forever, so appreciate them all while you have them,” as he began to tear up.
He composed himself before he continued: “Don’t get too high with the highs or low with the lows, you’ll have your fair share of both and it’s too exhausting to constantly ride that rollercoaster.
“Finally and most importantly, buy a filling hairdryer, they’re not that expensive, splash out, what’s the matter with you.
“But thank you for writing the diary, I wish you’d done more but it’s been a fantastic reminder of a special period in your life.
“Say hi to 1994 Ant for me, tell him to remember he’s a great kid and it will all be okay, even when it feels like it won’t.
“Look out for each other, enjoy the ride and hey, respect guys.
“Ps: Buy Tesla, Apple and loads of Bitcoin.”
Ant then leaned over to give Dec a hug following the touching letter.
The Geordie presenting duo have been pals for over 30 years.
Their friendship first started when they starred on Byker Grove together.
When they were cut from the show that they decided to team up and pursue a career in pop together.
Ant and Dec went from child stars to pop stars, and then in-demand TV stars.
Their friendship wasn’t smooth sailing, but it was when Ant was at his lowest that Dec stepped up and supported his friend.
When Ant was undergoing rehab for alcohol addiction and depression, Dec – who went on to hold the fort presenting Saturday Night Takeaway on his own and fronting I’m A Celebrity! with Holly Willoughby – also started having therapy in 2018 to deal with his feelings of “destabilisation”.
