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Once Upon A Tyne: Our Story Celebrating 30 Years Together on Telly
ANT: As the Old Chinese proverb says, 'Good things come in pairs'.
DEC: And as another Chinese proverb says, 'If you've been in a double act with your best mate for 30 years, why not write a book about all your most memorable moments in three decades of show-business?'
ANT: Less catchy that one, isn't it?
DEC: But no less true. And after three decades together, we've written that book. Covering everything from a pirate radio storyline in 'Byker Grove' through to the biggest shows on telly, this is our story.
ANT: Thirty years, eh? Amazing.
DEC: Absolutely. Especially when you consider we are both still 27 years old.
And and Dec hold a special place in the hearts of TV viewers everywhere. This is their epic story, with never-before-seen photography and the very best tales from their 30 years on TV.
From their modest beginnings in 'Byker Grove' through through to their 'unique' time as pop stars and an award-laden TV career, those three decades have flown by in the blink of an eye. They've also featured an incredible cast of supporting characters, including their first scriptwriter - (an unknown comedian called David Walliams), Saturday night fun and games with countless Hollywood A-listers and celebrities they torture - sorry, work with - every year in the jungle. Told through the lens of every TV show they've made, as well as everything they've learnt along the way, this is the riotously funny journey of two ordinary lads from Newcastle who went on to achieve extraordinary things.
©2020 Ant McPartlin & Dec Donnelly (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK
DEC: And as another Chinese proverb says, 'If you've been in a double act with your best mate for 30 years, why not write a book about all your most memorable moments in three decades of show-business?'
ANT: Less catchy that one, isn't it?
DEC: But no less true. And after three decades together, we've written that book. Covering everything from a pirate radio storyline in 'Byker Grove' through to the biggest shows on telly, this is our story.
ANT: Thirty years, eh? Amazing.
DEC: Absolutely. Especially when you consider we are both still 27 years old.
And and Dec hold a special place in the hearts of TV viewers everywhere. This is their epic story, with never-before-seen photography and the very best tales from their 30 years on TV.
From their modest beginnings in 'Byker Grove' through through to their 'unique' time as pop stars and an award-laden TV career, those three decades have flown by in the blink of an eye. They've also featured an incredible cast of supporting characters, including their first scriptwriter - (an unknown comedian called David Walliams), Saturday night fun and games with countless Hollywood A-listers and celebrities they torture - sorry, work with - every year in the jungle. Told through the lens of every TV show they've made, as well as everything they've learnt along the way, this is the riotously funny journey of two ordinary lads from Newcastle who went on to achieve extraordinary things.
©2020 Ant McPartlin & Dec Donnelly (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK
Audible Audio
First published September 3, 2020
204 people are currently reading
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About the author
Anthony McPartlin
3 books23 followersAnthony David "Ant" McPartlin OBE (born 18 November 1975) is a British television presenter, TV producer, singer, comedian and actor. He is best known for working alongside Declan Donnelly as part of the presenting duo Ant & Dec. McPartlin came to prominence, alongside Donnelly, in the children's drama series Byker Grove, with both of the boys establishing successful careers as television presenters, in which they are most known for presenting SMTV Live (between 1998 and 2001), I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (since 2002), and Britain's Got Talent (since 2007).
Other notable highlights of McPartlin's career alongside Donnelly include presenting PokerFace, Push the Button, Pop Idol, and Red or Black?, being hosts of charity appeal Text Santa (between 2011 and 2014), and also performing as pop music duo PJ & Duncan.
Other notable highlights of McPartlin's career alongside Donnelly include presenting PokerFace, Push the Button, Pop Idol, and Red or Black?, being hosts of charity appeal Text Santa (between 2011 and 2014), and also performing as pop music duo PJ & Duncan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
September 18, 2020
I love Ant and Dec.. this book was hilarious 🤣 Highly recommend the audiobook as they read it. The banter and the years of friendship really shine through.
I listened to this are a time that I was struggling mentally. It was the lift that I needed, it made me reminisce about the 90's and laugh so much.
Thank you boys.... here's to another 30 years 🥂
I listened to this are a time that I was struggling mentally. It was the lift that I needed, it made me reminisce about the 90's and laugh so much.
Thank you boys.... here's to another 30 years 🥂
March 18, 2022
I'm not usually particularly interested in celebrities lifestyles/memoirs, but this was a little cracker.
If you're of my age and are British, you will understand me when I say that they remind me very much of Morecambe and Wise. A very witty pair and this came across naturally in this book.
If you're of my age and are British, you will understand me when I say that they remind me very much of Morecambe and Wise. A very witty pair and this came across naturally in this book.
March 9, 2021
This book was great, and gave us a detailed insight in to some of the main points of their career, from the Byker Grove days, to their pop career and then to the presenting days. It was written very well, from both of their perspectives and was like having a conversation with them. I love the relationship these two have with each other, their friendship is like no other and it’s clear to see how they have always been there for each other and supported each other.
My personal favourite was the PJ and Duncan section.... as I was a huge fan growing up! Also loved the photos that were included, some made me laugh out loud.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves the lads and wants to find out a bit about their career in more detail.
My personal favourite was the PJ and Duncan section.... as I was a huge fan growing up! Also loved the photos that were included, some made me laugh out loud.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves the lads and wants to find out a bit about their career in more detail.
January 25, 2021
I have never laughed at a book so much before! Loved every page of it!
February 22, 2021
This book was so much fun to listen to. With Ant and Dec narrating the audio book there really wasn't any other way I would read this to be honest. It just added a depth of sincerity, fun and what comes through both in the words spoken and in the way they are spoken that there is such a great friendship there.
Would highly recommend the audio book, so much fun!
Would highly recommend the audio book, so much fun!
May 16, 2021
If you are a fan of these two it's a great book. I've not read a book for a while where you feel like you are pretty much sat with the guys listening to them chat. It can only be read in your head with a broad Newcastle accent 😆. I enjoyed it, I watch most of their shows, I love their humour. It's going to be a chuckle book, you are constantly giggling at the jokes and quips. Each person has their own font so you are constantly switching between Ant and Dec, plus their fellow celeb friends like, Cat Deely, Robbie Williams and David Walliams. It's broken down into a chapter per show, a bit about how they got the show and a funny story that happened. It's certainly not a hard read and if anything a little content light. An easy easy read.
January 10, 2022
This book brought back so much nostalgia, I grew up watching these guys on TV. I especially loved reading about the Byker Grove days and reminiscing about Declan and THOSE curtains (my first crush 😂)
I like that the book was ‘told’ by them, they brought their usuals humour and wit to it and of course you can feel their friendship through each page.
I like that the book was ‘told’ by them, they brought their usuals humour and wit to it and of course you can feel their friendship through each page.
September 20, 2020
A joy to read - 5*
I knew I was going to love this because I've previously read Ooh! What a Lovely Pair: Our Story and was amazed by their relationship and in awe of their dedication and commitment to producing great telly and each other.
If you have read their autobiography, this is completely different in my opinion. The autobiography chronicles every part of their lives from growing up to finding love to their success and downfalls along the way. Once Upon a Tyne is completely different. It's a celebration of 30 years on TV. Chapters include Britain's Got Talent , The Royal Family and the Pop Star Years . It covers the highlights of a great 30 year partnership.
I adore Ant and Dec so this was the perfect book for me.
It didn't shy away from the difficulties and the hardships because at the end of the day, they're just two boys from Newcastle who made it big.
True entertainers.
I knew I was going to love this because I've previously read Ooh! What a Lovely Pair: Our Story and was amazed by their relationship and in awe of their dedication and commitment to producing great telly and each other.
If you have read their autobiography, this is completely different in my opinion. The autobiography chronicles every part of their lives from growing up to finding love to their success and downfalls along the way. Once Upon a Tyne is completely different. It's a celebration of 30 years on TV. Chapters include Britain's Got Talent , The Royal Family and the Pop Star Years . It covers the highlights of a great 30 year partnership.
I adore Ant and Dec so this was the perfect book for me.
It didn't shy away from the difficulties and the hardships because at the end of the day, they're just two boys from Newcastle who made it big.
True entertainers.
November 29, 2020
Loved it. Loved reading all the personal stories which happened off camera told in such humorous ways by both of them.
February 28, 2021
Please know, this rating gives me no pleasure. I'm an Ant and Dec fan through and through, and I believe that they are peerless in their field. That field is not writing an enlightening book regarding their 30 Years in TV.
Don't get me wrong, it's mildly entertaining but you won't learn much - it's like an evening with Ant and Dec, where they wheel out plenty of tried and true anecdotes you probably have heard before if you're a longtime fan - especially if you read their 2009 autobiography.
30 years in TV is an interesting concept for a book, and each chapter is themed around a different show, but only the greatest hits. Their book and their prerogative of course but it would be interesting to get some deeper insight into the shows in their career that didn't go so well. Not just the flops like Slap Bang or forgotten gems like Poker Face, but pretty much the whole first era of Saturday Night Takeaway is quickly glossed over. Even in a passage about how Simon Cowell got egged on live TV, the only thing we learn is Ant and Dec couldn't believe Simon Cowell got egged live on TV.
I wouldn't mind so much it there weren't chapters devoted to vague themes such as awards ceremonies and the royals so it's not like they didn't have the space.
THAT incident is mentioned - briefly and simply as the time Ant wasn't on TV. I certainly didn't expect gory details to be raked over, but it might have been interesting to hear more about how Dec had to pivot his entire career pretty much instantly to keep three of the nations biggest shows on air solo for the first time, especially in a book about your time on TV.
The cynic in me says this is a cheap cash in (perhaps because of said incident?) but ultimately it's a total wasted opportunity. The Story of SM:tv Live that was on TV over Christmas showed two men who love TV gush not only about their show but everything that came before that made it possible - where was that enthusiasm here?
Don't get me wrong, it's mildly entertaining but you won't learn much - it's like an evening with Ant and Dec, where they wheel out plenty of tried and true anecdotes you probably have heard before if you're a longtime fan - especially if you read their 2009 autobiography.
30 years in TV is an interesting concept for a book, and each chapter is themed around a different show, but only the greatest hits. Their book and their prerogative of course but it would be interesting to get some deeper insight into the shows in their career that didn't go so well. Not just the flops like Slap Bang or forgotten gems like Poker Face, but pretty much the whole first era of Saturday Night Takeaway is quickly glossed over. Even in a passage about how Simon Cowell got egged on live TV, the only thing we learn is Ant and Dec couldn't believe Simon Cowell got egged live on TV.
I wouldn't mind so much it there weren't chapters devoted to vague themes such as awards ceremonies and the royals so it's not like they didn't have the space.
THAT incident is mentioned - briefly and simply as the time Ant wasn't on TV. I certainly didn't expect gory details to be raked over, but it might have been interesting to hear more about how Dec had to pivot his entire career pretty much instantly to keep three of the nations biggest shows on air solo for the first time, especially in a book about your time on TV.
The cynic in me says this is a cheap cash in (perhaps because of said incident?) but ultimately it's a total wasted opportunity. The Story of SM:tv Live that was on TV over Christmas showed two men who love TV gush not only about their show but everything that came before that made it possible - where was that enthusiasm here?
September 5, 2020
**listened via audible**
LOVED THIS!!
Soooo pleased I read this on audiobook. At first I was worried I would miss out on the photo's that the boys had spoken about on recent interview. I shouldn't have worried as there is a link to go to, with password and there is a PDF attached to the book itself via 'chapters' The boys also talk about each of the photos and ad-lib and laugh and joke about them too. This is brilliant and hilarious!! Just feels so natural.
The book is narrated by the boys themselves, and this really does make it!! They go back and forth with such great anecdotes, gags, and banter!! Loved the outtakes too! haha
I've always been a fan of Ant and Dec, and this book is for other fans but also anyone that just wants a laugh!!
Thoroughly recommend it!! Get it now!!!
LOVED THIS!!
Soooo pleased I read this on audiobook. At first I was worried I would miss out on the photo's that the boys had spoken about on recent interview. I shouldn't have worried as there is a link to go to, with password and there is a PDF attached to the book itself via 'chapters' The boys also talk about each of the photos and ad-lib and laugh and joke about them too. This is brilliant and hilarious!! Just feels so natural.
The book is narrated by the boys themselves, and this really does make it!! They go back and forth with such great anecdotes, gags, and banter!! Loved the outtakes too! haha
I've always been a fan of Ant and Dec, and this book is for other fans but also anyone that just wants a laugh!!
Thoroughly recommend it!! Get it now!!!
January 10, 2021
I couldn't suggest an audiobook version of this more. Their laughter is so contagious and I don't think i've laughed out loud during a book so much before.
A delightful and uplifting way to beat the January blues.
A delightful and uplifting way to beat the January blues.
January 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book as I'm a huge Ant and Dec fan ☺ The only reason it isn't a 5 star is because I knew some stories as they're in the first autobiography. However, I did learn new stories about them which I enjoyed 😊
March 22, 2022
A very fun listen. They're obviously an electric duo and it was a joy to listen to their story from themselves. The plot was entertaining and funny, as would be expected.
Dropped a point as it was fairly short, and I'm sure in 30 years they could have delved further into several stories. The plus side of that is that it remained throughout fast paced and unrelenting.
But I couldn't help but feel like it was a quick buck to make during lockdown, let's chuck a few stories together, etc etc.
Furthermore, it skimmed over the more sensitive issues which although I appreciate they may not be keen to discuss in great depth, could have a positive impact given their platform.
Dropped a point as it was fairly short, and I'm sure in 30 years they could have delved further into several stories. The plus side of that is that it remained throughout fast paced and unrelenting.
But I couldn't help but feel like it was a quick buck to make during lockdown, let's chuck a few stories together, etc etc.
Furthermore, it skimmed over the more sensitive issues which although I appreciate they may not be keen to discuss in great depth, could have a positive impact given their platform.
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The first read of 2025 didn’t disappoint!
This autobiographical joint account of Ant and Dec’s career really was as magical as you can imagine. They recap from their Byker Grove days, right up until DNA journey. With additions from celebrity friends and colleagues such as Cat Deely, David Walliams and Simon Cowell, this book really is a treat. It’s fascinating to learn some of the behind the scenes parts of the shows they’ve been on, especially Britain’s Got Talent. Here’s to the next 30 years of Ant and Dec 🥂
The first read of 2025 didn’t disappoint!
This autobiographical joint account of Ant and Dec’s career really was as magical as you can imagine. They recap from their Byker Grove days, right up until DNA journey. With additions from celebrity friends and colleagues such as Cat Deely, David Walliams and Simon Cowell, this book really is a treat. It’s fascinating to learn some of the behind the scenes parts of the shows they’ve been on, especially Britain’s Got Talent. Here’s to the next 30 years of Ant and Dec 🥂
October 9, 2024
Interesting to learn about their career with a lot of personal stories and anecdotes. I haven’t followed them particularly closely so I learnt a lot about them. It’s very career focused, very little about their personal lives but I respect them for keeping it so career focused. They’re both good narrators so it’s a quick listen on audiobook. It’s a little name drop heavy and very PRO the two of them, but it fits their cheeky chappy nature.
November 26, 2022
This was more like an ongoing conversation between the two of them than a traditional autobiography, but I liked the format as it was almost like watching them on the tele! Some good laughs along the way and interesting stories about their time on shows such as Pop Idol and BGT
January 2, 2021
I didn't think it was possible to love these two more, turns out I was wrong.
July 31, 2023
Loved this! So funny!
November 22, 2020
(7) I liked this book. It was funny and lighthearted and definitely an easy read. It was difficult at first reading the two voices in tandem but I don't think it would have had the same feel otherwise. It's definitely not my usual style but it was nice to read something completely different for once and enjoying it made it all the more entertaining.
January 28, 2021
Such a funny book.
I loved every second of it. And after having a sister who was PJ and Duncan obsessed I feel like I grew up watching and listening to ant and Dec.
Definitely worth a read just for the laughs you get from the stories.
I loved every second of it. And after having a sister who was PJ and Duncan obsessed I feel like I grew up watching and listening to ant and Dec.
Definitely worth a read just for the laughs you get from the stories.
September 8, 2020
By far my favourite celebs, two amazing guys whose friendship is amazing to see, which is why I got soooo excited when I heard this book was coming out and was ecstatic when it arrived on my doorstep!! I’m sad for the day when they are no longer on tv but am forever waiting for their next tv appearance! At the moment it’s BGT but soon it will be I’m a celeb.. my fave! X
June 21, 2023
I'm eternally grateful to Ant and Dec for existing, cos without them I wouldn't have met my dearest friend online in 2016.
August 9, 2021
Oh wow.. I never thought I'll be giving a 5-star rating to a memoir. Don't get me wrong, I like reading autobiographies of interesting people but most of the time, it was always an exaggeration of the things that happened in their lives, not to mention, it was always written by someone else.
I was binge-watching Chatty Man, Graham Norton show, Friday night with Jonathan Ross and yes, BGT (don't ask, I'm just really in the brit-show phase right now), and I was drawn to these people who are always making people laugh; David Walliams and Ant&Dec most especially. I think I've watched all the interviews with them on youtube and I bought and finished Camp David last week (I'm still thinking if I'll do a review on that one, it's just so sad).
So back to this book, it is unlike most memoirs and autobiographies I've read. It is written as if Ant and Dec are simply talking to one another about their careers. At some points, you have to remind yourself that Dec’s speech is in bold and Ant is in italics. And then I thought; if this is how I feel reading the book, how much more if I can listen to their banter in the Audiobook? And so yes, I bought that as well. But tbh, I have to go to the book a few times because you know, Brit accent and all. AND they have loads of photos in the book.
It didn't disappoint. It was so fun I stayed on my bed the whole day to focus on listening/reading. I could've finished it earlier but I have to stop a lot of times and watch the clips they're talking about, and sometimes, I have to watch it like 2-3 times because it's that good.
No I'm not obsessed. It's fascinating. I mean, the bond, the love for each other, the friendship, it's unlike any other. Then I'll ask myself which one I like best, because I'll watch a clip and I'll find Dec so adorable but then the next one, Ant's puns will be so hilarious, I'll have to ask myself again.
But in the end, the answer is always "Ant&Dec", you cannot choose, because they're just ONE great person with Dec's adorable wit and Ant's witty comebacks.
It is interesting to hear how they both have developed and changed individually over the years. But despite the success, they remain humble and I think that's what made me admire them more.
My favorite part was when they confronted Simon Cowell about how unhappy they were at one point doing Britain’s Got Talent and I very much agreed with their thoughts, and glad SC felt the same and did something to change it, just shows how good these two that SC is willing to change something in the show so he won't lose them.
Ant and Dec, you're both amazing. Thank you for this, and now meeting you both has been added on my WishList. Cheers to 30 more years together!
January 13, 2021
declan and anthony can have 4.5 stars from me- i’ll be forever grateful that i found out about all the drawings david walliams used to do on ant and dec’s scripts and the nicknames he had for them, and dec’s fear of needles being significantly worse than his fear of having a spider bite swell up when they were in australia (yes there are pictures in the book of him passed out on the floor). and rlly i should thank lily that i got to gain all this great information- i’ll be able to appreciate saturday night takeaway in a whole new light now that i know everything about it and how they come up with the ideas for it. might have to go watch dna journey now.
April 4, 2022
I've been a fan of Ant and Dec since they were in Byker Grove. I followed their pop career with their 1st tour being my first ever concert at age 11. I even threw a Teddy for Dec at another tour that he caught... made my whole year. This for me as a fan was a great read. I love the way they have put it together like they are just chatting to each other, even tho we learn they wrote most of it separately during lockdown. Loved seeing the photos of their careers and even spotted a photo from an event I was at and it looked like the photographer was pretty close to us as we have a similar shot of Dec on stage at a Liverpool roadshow... turns out from the credits it's our photo taken by my sister. Anyone who has the book top left page 48. Memories of standing at local roadshows all day cone flooding back. 30 years in showbiz and hopefully they have 30+ more together with another book to talk about that time.
September 7, 2020
Brilliant book. So so hilarious, funny and heartwarming - ultimately, a story of becoming and an unbreakable friendship. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is an Ant and Dec fan and someone who seeks a compelling & magical story! So happy I bought this book (and even happier for the fact it was a signed copy).
February 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook! I have this on my kindle but then I purchased this on audible, I’m so glad I did because it did not disappoint. It was so funny! From Byker Grove days all the way through to Britain’s Got Talent. I listened to this while at work and it really got me through the day. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ant & Dec and they definitely make the TV Shows hilarious! Such a great geordie duo!
You even get an accompanying PDF on audible to show all the photos discussed in each chapter. Some brilliant photos! If anyone wants a funny and just brilliant audiobook to listen to then Once Upon a Tyne is the one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You even get an accompanying PDF on audible to show all the photos discussed in each chapter. Some brilliant photos! If anyone wants a funny and just brilliant audiobook to listen to then Once Upon a Tyne is the one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 8, 2022
I love ant and dec so one of my friends asked me to have this book because I was begging for a signed copy but they were hard to get because the book is two years old so she let me have her signed copy. (Thank you so much kaisha) it talks about their lives from at that point thirty years together and they get into graphic detail that you can imagine it inside your head. I loved it
December 23, 2020
If I could, this would be 4.5 stars. I absolutely love Ant and Dec and enjoyed reading through their 30 years together. However, I have read their previous book and felt there was some slight overlap at the beginning. Although it made me laugh and was a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews