Declan Donnelly became visibly emotional while reading a letter to his younger self on the podcast "Hanging Out," which he hosts with longtime friend Ant McPartlin.
In a preview clip of the latest episode, posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Donnelly could be seen struggling to hold back tears as he addressed his 1994 self.
"Say hi to 1994 Ant for me," Donnelly said, his voice thick with emotion. "Tell him to remember he's a great kid, and it will all be ok. Even when it feels like it won't. Look out for each other, enjoy the ride and hey, respect guys. Love from future Dec."
The moment comes as McPartlin has spoken about his current happiness, attributing it to sobriety and overcoming personal struggles.
McPartlin reflected in an interview that the last few years have been the happiest of his life, particularly after becoming sober. He noted that sobriety has brought a greater sense of purpose, especially after a challenging period in his early forties.
Donnelly had previously expressed admiration for McPartlin's resilience, stating in The Times that he most admired how McPartlin took responsibility and action in the face of significant challenges. Donnelly added that McPartlin worked on himself to not only return to his previous self but to become a better person.
McPartlin's struggles included a 2018 drink-driving incident that led to a record fine and a temporary halt to his television career. At the time, he was also undergoing treatment for painkiller addiction and had separated from his first wife. He later entered rehabilitation.
Following this period, McPartlin found a new relationship with Anne-Marie Corbett, who he met in 2017 when she began working as his personal assistant. They married in August 2021. McPartlin has referred to Corbett as his "rock and lifesaver," and she played a role in his recovery by acting as a sober coach.
McPartlin previously described embracing a quieter life in 2018 during his recovery, spending time in the country, walking his dogs, and disconnecting from television and social media. He and Corbett traded their home in Wimbledon for a more secluded property in Cobham, Surrey.
Donnelly and McPartlin have been a prominent television duo for decades, with their careers beginning in the early 1990s.