London, UK โ June 03, 2025, 08:43 AM BST โ Britainโs favorite duo, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, were back together on the set of Britainโs Got Talent on Monday, marking Antโs return from paternity leaveโbut it was his touching gesture for a 97-year-old war hero that brought the live show to a heartfelt halt, leaving the audience and judges in tears. The 49-year-old presenters, reunited after Ant welcomed son Wilder on May 14, showcased their signature chemistry, but Antโs surprise tribute stole the spotlight, resonating deeply with the nation.
Antโs return to ITV studios in London followed a six-week break to spend time with wife Anne-Marie Corbett and their newborn, while Dec, 49, held the fort with Saturday Night Takeaway and Iโm a Celebrityโฆ Get Me Out of Here! rehearsals. The reunion was celebrated with a standing ovation from the Britainโs Got Talent audience on June 02, 2025, as Ant quipped, โMissed you, Decโletโs make up for lost time!โ But the mood shifted during a commercial break when Ant spotted Arthur Grayson, a World War II veteran and audience member, wearing his medals from the Normandy landings.
Moved by Graysonโs presence, Ant paused the show to invite him onstage, a decision that halted filming for 15 minutes. โThis man fought for us at 19โI had to honor him,โ Ant later told The Mirror. He presented Grayson with a custom-made medal case, a ยฃ5,000 donation to the Royal British Legion in his name, and a personal letter from the duo thanking him for his service. โYouโre the real talent here,โ Ant said, his voice cracking as Grayson saluted, prompting Dec to join in a spontaneous hug. The judgesโSimon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioliโstood, with Cowell wiping tears, calling it โthe most moving moment Iโve seen on this show.โ
The gesture tied to Ant and Decโs patriotic roots, evident in their 2024 support for Newcastle Unitedโs Carabao Cup win and Decโs Buckingham Palace visit for the Princeโs Trust. Grayson, a retired engineer from Newcastle, shared, โI never expected thisโIโm overwhelmed.โ The moment aired as a special segment on June 03, trending on X under #AntDecHero, with fans posting, โAntโs tribute to that war hero had me sobbing!โ and โDec joining inโpure gold ๐ฌ๐ง.โ ITV confirmed the delay, stating, โAnt and Decโs compassion made this a night to remember.โ
The reunion and tribute align with their ยฃ124 million combined wealth, estimated in March 2025, and their history of heartfelt acts, like their 2019 charity single for Children in Need. As Britainโs Got Talent continues its 2025 season, Antโs returnโand his honor to Graysonโhas not only reunited the duo but also reminded the UK of the power of gratitude, bringing the show to a standstill for all the right reasons.