By The Evening Standard | Entertainment & Charity Desk
Rumours are swirling that beloved TV personality Anthony “Ant” McPartlin is preparing to step away from ITV within the next six months to focus on an ambitious £3.5 million rural dog sanctuary — developed in partnership with his long-time co-host, Declan Donnelly.
🐕 A Sanctuary with Heart and Scale
Insider sources reveal the sanctuary would be located on a private rural estate already owned by the duo. It’s being designed to function as:
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A fully equipped rescue and rehabilitation centre
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A training school for therapy and assistance dogs
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Adoption suites and community outreach workshops
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On-site veterinary facilities dedicated exclusively to rescued animals
Reports indicate both presenters are deeply involved behind the scenes — with Ant funding the project and Dec contributing strategic planning.
📺 Stepping Back from Screen?
Speculation centers on Ant reading to reduce his on-screen commitments:
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Sources suggest he’s declined new presenting offers in recent weeks.
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Friends say he’s looking for a long-term creative purpose outside live television.
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ITV’s 2025 lineup is reportedly being reviewed to accommodate his potential hiatus.
A production insider commented:
“Ant’s always given his all on screen. Now he’s preparing for something more grounded — and heartfelt.”
🐾 Why This Project?
The sanctuary aligns with the duo’s previously revealed passion for animal welfare — most notably in recent reports of rescuing disabled farm animals on a rural property they both had ties to theguardian.com+3facebook.com+3yahoo.com+3happiful.com+2hellomagazine.com+2theguardian.com+2. The £3.5 million investment is said to involve significant personal capital as well as external philanthropic support.
👍 Public Reaction
While no public announcement has been made, early reactions from fans and industry insiders are overwhelmingly positive:
“Ant & Dec running a dog sanctuary? Best double act ever — with paws!”
Another comment read:
“If this is real, he’s moving from TV treasure to animal angel.”
🔍 What We Don’t Know
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No confirmation from Ant, Dec, or ITV about a leaving timeline
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Exact location, project dates, or funding details remain under wraps
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Unknown whether Ant plans a full-time departure or a temporary break
⏭️ What Comes Next
With ITV yet to comment and no official communications from Ant himself, this remains a developing story. If true, this move would mark a major shift from primetime entertainment to compassionate real-world impact.
The Evening Standard will continue to monitor the story and report as soon as any official statements or announcements emerge.