Ant and Dec One Shots

Supporting One Another

The First Time: The Live Show Panic

It was the start of a big live show, and Stephen had rehearsed his lines endlessly. He'd gone over every word, every cue, countless times, determined to get everything just right. But as the red "On Air" light blinked on, his mind suddenly blanked, his rehearsed lines slipping away like sand through his fingers. The audience, the bright lights, the pressure-it all seemed to close in on him, and for a second, he felt like he was trapped underwater. His heart raced, his hands turned clammy, and he stumbled over the first few words, his voice unsteady and his nerves painfully visible.

From their places beside him, Ant and Dec exchanged a quick glance, their unspoken understanding kicking in instantly. They could see the panic in Stephen's eyes, the tremble in his usually steady voice. Ant moved without hesitation, stepping closer and placing a warm, steadying hand on Stephen's shoulder, the gesture a silent anchor in the chaos. "No worries, mate - happens to the best of us," he murmured softly, leaning in just enough for Stephen to hear him over the hum of the audience. His words were gentle, his tone rich with encouragement, and the look in his eyes was unwavering, a reminder that Stephen wasn't alone.

Dec, ever quick on his feet, picked up the line Stephen had stumbled over, seamlessly easing the transition as though they'd rehearsed it that way. He flashed his signature grin at the crowd, his eyes twinkling with playful charm as he threw in a little quip to lighten the moment. "Guess we're just keeping you all on your toes tonight, huh?" he joked, drawing a ripple of laughter from the audience. The tension eased as the crowd relaxed, their smiles breaking through the initial unease. Dec had expertly shifted the focus onto himself, taking the spotlight off Stephen's momentary slip and filling the air with a lighthearted warmth that instantly softened the atmosphere.

Stephen felt his heartbeat begin to slow, his mind clearing as he clung to the steadiness of Ant's hand on his shoulder and the warmth of Dec's infectious grin. He let out a small, relieved breath as the cameras finally cut to a commercial break, feeling the weight lift just a little.

Ant turned to him with a reassuring smile, giving him a supportive pat on the back. "See? You're good, we've got you," he said, his tone relaxed but filled with quiet confidence. Dec nodded in agreement, a gentle, encouraging look in his eyes. "We're a team, mate. Just take it one step at a time-we're right here."

Stephen's eyes met theirs, gratitude shining through the uncertainty that had clouded his gaze just moments before. He felt a warmth settle over him, a reminder that, no matter what, they were by his side. He straightened up, took a deep breath, and nodded, feeling a renewed sense of strength. Knowing Ant and Dec were there gave him the courage to keep going, a steady reminder that, with them by his side, he was never truly alone.

The Second Time: A Chaotic Filming Day

The filming day had been a whirlwind of stress and motion. The director's decision to rework nearly every scene had everyone on edge, but no one more than Stephen. Each time he thought he had his lines down, a new change would be thrown his way, leaving him scrambling to memorise on the spot. His nerves grew sharper with each take, his frustration evident in the tense line of his jaw and the slight tremble in his hands.

Ant noticed the strain on Stephen's face, the way he seemed to be holding his breath between takes. He nudged Dec, gesturing subtly toward their friend, both of them sharing a silent understanding. With a soft sigh, Dec made his way over to Stephen, slipping him a small bottle of water and resting a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Here, take a sip," Dec said, his voice low and comforting, like a calm tide brushing over the rocky shore. "You've got this. It's just another day, just another scene."

Stephen looked up, meeting Dec's gaze, and in that moment, the anxious storm within him softened. Dec's eyes held a quiet reassurance, as if to say that no matter what happened, they would face it together. He took a sip, the cool water easing the tightness in his throat, while Dec's hand remained on his shoulder-a solid, grounding presence.