DEC is threatening to break up TV’s foremost partnership unless they undergo an immediate name change.
The dispute goes back to Ant and Dec/Dec and Ant’s Byker Grove Days, during which they held a summit meeting at Newcastle’s top restaurant Mickey’s Greaseburger Grill.
A source said: “They agreed that if they became a showbiz success, they would be known as Ant and Dec for the first five years, then switch to Dec and Ant. But now Ant says the ‘time isn’t right’.”
Dec said: “What do you think it’s been like, living in his shadow? Everyone knowing which one Ant is, no one knowing which one Dec is?”
