In the quiet coastal town of Murwillumbah, Australia, where the lush greenery of the jungle meets the modern bustle of television production, a story has unfolded that has left hearts swelling and eyes misty across the globe. Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the beloved Geordie duo known as Ant and Dec, have long been celebrated for their infectious humor and genuine warmth on shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. But their latest act of kindness—a mission to rebuild the fire-ravaged home of an elderly couple living near the I’m A Celebrity studios—has revealed a side of the duo that goes beyond their on-screen charisma. What makes this story truly extraordinary, however, is the astonishing revelation that the couple’s survival was thanks to the very show Ant and Dec have hosted for over two decades.
A Night of Terror and an Unexpected Savior
It was a humid November night in 2024, just as the latest season of I’m A Celebrity was gearing up for its annual run. Harold and Margaret Thompson, both in their late seventies, had lived in their modest two-bedroom home on the outskirts of Murwillumbah for nearly four decades. The couple, known in their community for their quiet kindness and love of gardening, had settled into a routine of simple pleasures: tending to their roses, sharing cups of tea, and, for Margaret, indulging in late-night binges of classic TV shows on her tablet. Among her favorites were old episodes of I’m A Celebrity, which she found endlessly entertaining thanks to Ant and Dec’s cheeky banter.
On that fateful night, a faulty electrical outlet in the couple’s living room sparked a fire that quickly spread through the dry timber of their aging home. The blaze was silent at first, creeping along the walls while Harold and Margaret slept. By all accounts, the couple might have been trapped, unaware of the danger until it was too late. But at 2 a.m., Margaret, unable to sleep, had propped herself up in bed with her tablet, chuckling at a 2015 episode of I’m A Celebrity where Ant and Dec were teasing a contestant about their jungle cooking skills. Her laughter, louder than usual, stirred Harold from his sleep.
“Love, what’s so funny at this hour?” Harold mumbled, rubbing his eyes. As he sat up, he caught a faint whiff of smoke. Moments later, he noticed an orange glow flickering through the bedroom door. The fire had already consumed much of the living room and was inching toward the hallway. Harold’s quick thinking and Margaret’s alertness—sparked by the joy of Ant and Dec’s humor—gave them just enough time to escape through a side door, clutching only each other and Margaret’s tablet. They stood barefoot in their garden, watching as flames devoured the home they’d built their lives in, their hearts heavy but grateful to be alive.
A Community Rallies, and Ant and Dec Step In
The fire made local headlines in Murwillumbah, a town accustomed to the annual influx of I’m A Celebrity crews but unaccustomed to such personal tragedies. The Thompsons, with no children or close family nearby, faced an uncertain future. Their home was uninsured due to financial struggles in recent years, and the couple was temporarily housed in a local community center while volunteers scrambled to collect donations. The story of their narrow escape, particularly the detail about Margaret’s laughter saving the day, spread like wildfire on social media, catching the attention of the I’m A Celebrity production team.
Ant and Dec, who were in Australia for the show’s 2024 season, heard about the Thompsons’ plight during a break in filming. The duo, known for their deep connection to their fans and their history of supporting charitable causes, were moved by the couple’s story. But it was the detail about their show playing a role in the couple’s survival that hit them hardest. In a private meeting with the production team, Dec reportedly said, “We’ve got to do something. These folks lost everything, and if our daft jokes helped save them, it’s only right we help them rebuild.”
What followed was a plan as heartfelt as it was ambitious. Ant and Dec, leveraging their considerable influence and personal resources, committed to funding the reconstruction of the Thompsons’ home. They partnered with a local construction firm, known for its work on eco-friendly homes, to design a new house that would not only replace what was lost but also provide the Thompsons with a safer, more modern space to enjoy their golden years. The duo also rallied the I’m A Celebrity crew, local businesses, and even some of the show’s celebrity contestants to contribute materials, labor, and furnishings.
A Visit That Changed Everything
In early December 2024, as the new home began to take shape, Ant and Dec made a surprise visit to the community center where Harold and Margaret were staying. The couple, still reeling from their loss but warmed by the community’s support, were stunned to see the famous presenters walk through the door, cameras in tow for a special segment to be aired during the I’m A Celebrity finale. Margaret, clutching her tablet, gasped, “Is that really you two? I was just watching you last night!”
The visit was a mix of laughter and tears. Harold, a man of few words, recounted the night of the fire, his voice cracking as he described how Margaret’s laughter had been his wake-up call. “I owe you lads more than I can say,” he said, shaking Ant’s hand. “Your show… it’s not just entertainment. It saved us.” Ant, known for his emotional side, was visibly moved. With a laugh that turned into a choked sob, he replied, “That’s the first time I’ve heard anyone say my humor saved a life! I’m not sure whether to be chuffed or gobsmacked!”
Dec, ever the grounding force, chimed in with a grin, “Well, Harold, we’re just glad Margaret’s got such good taste in telly.” The room erupted in laughter, easing the weight of the moment. The duo then shared their plan: not only would the Thompsons’ home be rebuilt, but it would be tailored to their needs, with a fire-safe design, a cozy garden space for their beloved roses, and even a small entertainment nook for Margaret’s tablet-watching sessions. They also presented the couple with a year’s supply of local produce and a framed photo of the I’m A Celebrity set, signed by the entire 2024 cast.
The Rebuild and a New Beginning
By February 2025, the Thompsons’ new home was complete. The single-story house, painted in soft cream with green shutters, stood proudly on the same plot where their old home had burned. The design incorporated wide windows to let in natural light, a sprinkler system for fire safety, and a landscaped garden where Harold and Margaret could continue their passion for gardening. Inside, the home was furnished with donations from the community and I’m A Celebrity sponsors, including a plush sofa, a modern kitchen, and a tablet holder for Margaret’s late-night viewing.
The grand reveal was a community event, attended by hundreds of Murwillumbah residents, the I’m A Celebrity crew, and, of course, Ant and Dec. As the couple walked through their new home, Margaret’s eyes welled up at the sight of her new garden, while Harold marveled at the sturdy oak dining table, a gift from a local craftsman. “It’s more than we ever dreamed of,” Margaret said, hugging Dec tightly. “You’ve given us our life back.”
Ant and Dec, standing on the front porch, addressed the crowd, their usual banter softened by the gravity of the moment. “We’re just two lads from Newcastle who love making people laugh,” Ant said. “But today, we’re honored to help Harold and Margaret start again. This is what I’m A Celebrity is about—bringing people together, even in the toughest times.” Dec added, “And to Margaret, keep watching those old episodes. You never know when they might save the day again!”
A Story That Resonates Worldwide
The Thompsons’ story, amplified by its connection to Ant and Dec, has touched millions. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts praising the duo’s generosity and marveling at the serendipitous role their show played in the couple’s survival. Fans have shared their own stories of finding comfort in Ant and Dec’s humor during difficult times, turning the Thompsons’ tale into a symbol of hope and community.
For Harold and Margaret, the new home is more than a building—it’s a testament to the kindness of strangers and the unexpected ways life can come full circle. As they settle into their new routine, Margaret still watches I’m A Celebrity on her tablet, her laughter echoing through the house. And somewhere, Ant and Dec are back in the jungle, cracking jokes and making memories, unaware that their humor might just save another life someday.
