Ant and Dec are launching their first podcast, "Hanging Out with Ant and Dec," later this month as part of their new digital entertainment channel, Belta Box. The podcast will feature the duo discussing their lives and engaging with listener questions and comments.

Belta Box will be accessible on platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In addition to the new podcast, the channel will host classic clips from Ant and Dec's television careers, as well as "new digital formats," according to a statement.

Declan Donnelly explained that the podcast's concept originated from audience feedback. "We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out'," he stated. "So that's what we're doing - Ant I don't get to hang out as much as we used to, so it's perfect for us."

The launch of Belta Box represents a significant expansion of Ant and Dec's brand into the digital content space. The move allows them to directly engage with their audience through new mediums and formats, supplementing their existing television presence. The channel will host content from across the Geordie duo's long TV careers.

Ant and Dec recently signed a contract extension with ITV to continue presenting shows including "I'm A Celebrity," and "Britain's Got Talent." The launch of Belta Box indicates a strategy to diversify their content offerings and maintain relevance across different media platforms.