
Ant and Dec's wax figures return to Madame Tussauds Blackpool after makeover
Presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly's wax figures have been returned to Madame Tussauds Blackpool after undergoing a transformation.
Originally unveiled in 2016, the I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! presenter's figures were taken away for a makeover in September and are now back on display at the Promenade attraction.
The Geordie duo, popularly known as Ant & Dec, sat for the revamp of their wax figures, which have been updated with a current, up-to-date look.
The pair are on display among I'm a Celebrity memorabilia including a Bush Tucker Trial sign, a winners wall and artefacts from the programme.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool is home to more than 80 crafted wax figures, including Freddie Mercury, The Beatles, Sir David Attenborough and Harry Styles.
Madame Tussauds wax figures typically take a team of around 20 skilled artists three to four months to make and involve more than 200 different measurements being taken, as well as every hair being inserted individually by hand.
Jenn McDonough, general manager at Merlin Entertainments plc, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Ant and Dec's wax figures back to their Blackpool home.
'As fan favourite figures, their return has been eagerly anticipated by visitors and locals alike, and we are excited for visitors to see their new, updated look.'
Ant & Dec first met as child actors on CBBC's drama Byker Grove and performed together as pop musicians PJ & Duncan.
The duo have since pursued careers as television presenters, and currently host I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Britain's Got Talent, and Limitless Win.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm A Celebrity star says 'I don't think I'd want to be here' as they open up on health
Darren Day has spoken out about his mental health and addiction battle, as he revealed that he was misdiagnosed with a number of different conditions before being told he had ADHD. Darren Day has opened up about the significant difference his ADHD diagnosis and subsequent treatment have made to his life, after years of battling with misdiagnoses. The West End actor, 56, who has candidly discussed his addiction and mental health challenges, shared his experience of being diagnosed on Good Morning Britain last Friday. Discussing the matter with Rob Rinder and Kate Garraway, he said: "I talk openly about it because when I do talk about it on social media, I get so many people asking me and I can point them in the right direction now." Day explained how he had been labelled with various conditions: "I was diagnosed with a lot of different qualifications, I call them." During the interview, he disclosed past diagnoses of borderline personality disorder, bipolar type 2, high scores for Asperger's syndrome and indications of autism. Admitting the difficulty with his condition, he remarked: "All of them, my head is wonky." Kate weighed in on his comment, noting: "You say wonky, but that is what neurodiversity is." When Kate queried whether his many conditions were perhaps inaccurately diagnosed, Darren acknowledged: "Perhaps, some people think that." He went on to reveal how desperate things had become: "In November last year I was taking about 17 pills a day, and I'm going to be level with you, I thought that if it wasn't for me being a dad and having a great partner and great family, and the devastation it would cause my loved ones, I don't think I'd want to be here anymore." He shared the extent of his frustration: "It got that bad, I was thinking, 'I'm taking 17 pills a day so I shouldn't be feeling like this'." Following advice to check for ADHD, Darren found that he scored a staggering 96 out of 100. In February, Darren started on ADHD medication and claims it revolutionised his life in just five days. "It changed my life, my head was quiet for the first time in 20 years, I'm focused," he revealed. The I'm A Celebrity star also noted that it had a significant effect on his stage presence and couldn't overstate the transformation the medication brought about. "I've probably had it forever, but then things happen in our lives, traumas and stuff, that make the symptoms worse, but I promise you, I know there's people that are sceptical about it, I probably was if I'm completely honest," he continued, emphasising the positive impact of his diagnosis and treatment. "I want to try and give people what I've got - a peace and quietness in my head that I've not experienced in so long, maybe ever." Darren also opened up about his battle with addiction and a 2018 relapse that led to Robbie Williams "saving" his life. "I was in a really bad place," he recounted, recalling a moment when he broke down while driving. After reaching out to the Take That star, who assured him, "Leave it all to me," Darren emotionally acknowledged: "Here I am today. I wouldn't be here without Rob." Reflecting on his journey in a recent chat with The Express, Darren spoke about how his ADHD meds have supported his sobriety. He commented: "I'm very strong in my sobriety now, and there's quiet in my head, there's less chaos. It makes sobriety easier. I don't feel the need to self-medicate. "Everything has changed. In last three months I've been in the best place I've been in for 25 years. I thank God every day I get up. I love going to work, I love being with my kids, I love speaking spending time with my partner Sophie – we live in Brentwood, Essex, now. "I feel like a weight has lifted, I'm in a good place and I'm really happy people still want to come and see me. I put everything into what I'm doing." Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.


Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Sam Thompson 'in tears' during Soccer Aid challenge as Tony Bellew comes to the rescue
Sam Thompson has been battling through injuries and mental health struggles to complete his 260 mile charity challenge, and was supported by his former I'm A Celebrity co-star as he broke down in tears. Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson is on the verge of breaking down and heavily reliant on painkillers as he continues his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge. The former I'm A Celeb contestant has proven its far from an easy task, but has been rallied with support from his inner circle. The 32 year old can barely walk, let alone run or cycle, after tearing his calf muscle, but he is determined to complete the 260-mile challenge across five days. He has been inundated with encouragement and support from his pals. Fans were left touched on Thursday when he was reunited with his fellow I'm A Me Out of Here! campmate Tony Bellew, with the boxing legend tapping in with support for Sam, who has been visibly struggling. Their sweet reunion was shared on TikTok, as the 42-year-old former professional boxer greeted him and came to the rescue in the most legendary fashion - in a speed boat. He instructed Sam to get on his back, as he carried him to the boat, to push him across that day's finish line. It comes as disaster struck just a few kilometres into the challenge when Sam suffered a severe calf injury. He told the Mirror: "It was bad straight away. I couldn't walk or put barely any weight on it. I just burst into tears, as I thought how am I going to do the rest of this challenge? Letting people down just plays on my mind constantly." After a brief respite on his bike, Sam has incredibly returned to his feet, despite the considerable pain. He admits: "I'm really strapped up but I think it's getting worse. I'm mitigating with other bits of my body that are now starting to creak under the pressure. I've been running on my tiptoes but my ankles are now going which, in turn, leads to my knees going. I'm just trying not to think about it." Witnessing the TV personality hobble in pain each morning has been particularly difficult for his sister Louise. In a heartfelt Facetime, she expressed her admiration, saying: "You've been through a very tough six months regardless of training for this challenge, you've obviously been through this horrendous break-up and to throw yourself into something that is helping so many other people is just incredible." Sam parted ways with ex Zara McDermott after half a decade earlier this year, yet his commitment to power on with his charitable support remains unwavering. He's surpassed the impressive £1million target in his fundraising efforts for Unicef. Despite challenging conditions including torrential rain during an extensive cycle on his second day and battling personal struggles, Sam has maintained transparency about his mental health, including a recent autism diagnosis. His spirits have been lifted by a succession of celebrity companions as he makes his way from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in Manchester to deliver the ball for Soccer Aid's forthcoming match. Television personalities such as Josie Gibson, Chris Hughes, and Jamie Laing have offered support in difficult times, with a morale-boosting encounter with Pete Wicks providing additional encouragement. Expressing gratitude, he remarks: "I'm so blown away by people's generosity." He also highlights the impact of the endeavor: "It's all going to Unicef's work for kids around the world. I've seen it firsthand and know the difference it will make." On the fourth day of his extraordinary journey yesterday, Sam departed from Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent. He was slated to conquer 57 miles, which would take him through locations like Sandbach, Middlewich, Ellesmere Port, The Wirral, and Birkenhead, before arriving at Goodison Park in Liverpool. As he pushes on, Sam carries with him the wisdom from running royalty Sir Mo Farah, who advised him prior to the start of his challenge: "Just put one foot in front of the other, and always believe in why you are doing it."


Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Sam Thompson's love life after Zara split and his response to girlfriend rumours
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott split after five years together, with Zara now dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - who will be playing in Soccer Aid alongside Sam Sam Thompson has been participating in a strenuous challenge ahead of this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The Made in Chelsea star and I'm A Celebrity winner has been competing in Match Ball Mission throughout this week, with his progress being broadcast on ITV's This Morning. He's been transporting the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in preparation for this year's game. Every mile, whether on foot or by bike, Sam is aiming to raise as much money as possible to support UNICEF's work for children worldwide - and he's set to cross the finish line on Friday, June 6, which will also be televised on This Morning. Before he completes his colossal task, we delve into the 32-year-old's love life following his recent break up with Zara McDermott. Reality star turned documentary maker Zara is now dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - who coincidentally will be participating in the Soccer Aid match alongside Sam on Sunday, June 15 at Old Trafford. Sam and Zara's romance Sam and Zara started dating in early 2019, shortly after she had finished her stint on Love Island where she was involved with self-proclaimed ladies' man, Adam Collard, reports Wales Online. At that time, Londoner Sam was in a relationship with fellow Made In Chelsea cast member Sophie Habboo (now married to fellow MIC and Strictly star Jamie Laing and expecting her first child) but it wasn't long before Zara and Sam became official and Zara soon joined the cast of the E4 reality show. In a dramatic twist to their love story, Zara and Sam weathered a storm back in late 2019 amid allegations that Zara had strayed with music mogul Brahim Fouradi during her stint on X Factor: Celebrity, as reported by Hello! magazine. Initially dismissing the rumours, Zara ultimately poured out her heart on social media with an emotional confession in October 2020. That same month, viewers of Made in Chelsea watched as Zara implored Sam for forgiveness - footage that has since morphed into meme-worthy material. Happily, the couple later laughed off the incident. Choosing to put the past behind them, Sam reconciled with Zara, and the pair settled down together in their Chelsea pad, right next to Sam's sister Louise, sharing TikToks enjoyed by their fans. Why did Sam and Zara split? Five years on, whispers of a breakup began swirling at the start of 2025 after the duo spent Christmas Day and New Year's Eve separately. While Sam dedicated his Christmas to volunteering for a charitable cause, Zara joined her kin in Upminster, East London. Sam was seen revelling with mates at Kensington Roof Gardens to ring in the New Year, leaving Zara to embrace a quieter celebration. The crux of their separation seemed rooted in their hectic, clashing timetables. The last sighting of this reality TV pair together was in December 2024, celebrating Zara's birthday. It was then that Sam took to Instagram with loving words for his girlfriend, dubbing her his "soulmate". Who is Sam dating now? Sam, who recently opened up about his autism diagnosis, has reportedly been in a relationship with Love Island's Samie Elishi since April. However, when questioned about her support during his Soccer Aid challenge, he told MailOnline: 'I feel like... this is so much more than who I'm dating or hooking up with. And I feel like it would take away from what it is going on. You know what I mean? 'You know, If I had a wife or something like, like a girlfriend of years it might be a different. I just think that I don't want to do anything that will take away from this challenge and UNICEF - the spotlight needs to be on them. 'Like, I'm literally a vehicle. That's how I'm seeing it. I'm just a thing that is running to try and make money, so I want to keep it that way. ". Zara has been dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson following her break up with Sam, and Louis is set to return to the Soccer Aid line-up. This Morning is on ITV1 weekdays at 10am and ITVX. Soccer Aid is on ITVX on Sunday, June 15