"Not enjoying what?" Dec asked,even though he knew exactly what Ant was talking about.

"THIS" Ant stated bluntly "out there,performing distinctly average songs for girls that will soon outgrow us and boys who hate us,it's not what I want anymore...or the rest of it"

"What do you mean by the rest of it?" Dec enquired cautiously.

"The whole music package" Ant replied glumly "the weeks on end we spend in the recording studio,filming the videos,all of it.It was fun for a while,I know we went to some great locations to film them,but it's not enough anymore.We never wanted to be popstars in the first place after all did we?we just kinda fell into it,but now..."

"But now?" Dec repeated.

"But now" Ant sighed "maybe it's time to move on,concentrate on something else"

"Like what?" Dec asked.

"Like our presenting career" Ant smiled.

"Er,yeah" Dec frowned "that would be great if we actually had a presenting career,got sacked from the BBC remember?"

"That doesn't mean something else won't come along though does it?" Ant pointed out "remember the confident little speech you gave that day when they gave us the elbow?"

"Yeah" Dec grinned,he had felt quite proud of himself as he left the boardroom that day.

"Don't tell me you're still enjoying this shit?" Ant asked curiously "being spat at?having stuff thrown at us?being called names?when we are just trying to do our job,cos if you tell me you're still happy out there,I won't believe you anyway and I'll believe you may have possibly lost your mind"

"Nah" Dec nodded "I'm pretty much over it now too"

"Time to move on then?" Ant asked hopefully.

"Definitely" Dec agreed "but how?"

"Guess we talk to Mike about it" Ant shrugged "but I've got another idea"

"What?" Dec asked curiously

"How about we set up our own production company?" Ant grinned "Ant and Dec productions,I can see it already"

"Really?" Dec smiled "you think we could do something like that?"

"Course we could" Ant replied confidently "it's something I've been thinking about for a while now,we're not just pretty faces me and you,we've both got a decent brain in our heads,we've got a bit of money behind us now,so what do you say?are you up for it?"

"I think that's a wicked idea" Dec smiled enthusiastically "we'll be business partners and be our own bosses,kind of anyway,let's do it,sod the music"

"Yeah,sod it" Ant laughed.

Once they'd finished the string of gigs and all the loose ends had been tied up regarding the album and singles,the boys finally parted ways with Telstar.

They wanted to make the most of the spare time they now had before taking on any new projects,by going home to Newcastle for more than a couple of days like they usually did.Dec especially wanted to talk to his Dad about the direction his career was heading in.Fonsey,Anne and Christine had all been shocked and upset at their dismissal from the BBC so the boys were keen to talk things through with their families in person so they understood how things stood from their perspective.

"It's so good to have you home son" Fonsey smiled as he and Dec sat in the garden of his Newcastle home,once Ant and Dec had both made the journey back up north a few days later.They watched the sparrows and starlings peck at the bag of nuts that Anne had hung from a tree,until a neighbourhood cat came along and made a lunge towards them,frightening them away in a panicked flutter.

"It's good to be home Dad" Dec smiled "I love London,I really do,but Newcastle will always be my home and it's so nice to finally spend a decent amount of time with the family"

"Yeah,we've all missed you Decky" Fonsey replied as he put an arm around Dec,giving his shoulder a tight squeeze.

"I've missed everyone here too" Dec sighed "but at least I'll have a decent amount of time to catch up with everyone this time,that's what I've wanted for ages"

"We've all wanted that lad" Fonsey sighed.

"Dad?" Dec asked cautiously.

"Yes?" Fonsey sensed Dec was about to bring a serious note to the conversation.

"Me and Ant had an idea" Dec continued "well,Ant did and I just wanted to know what you thought about it?"

"Oh yeah?" Fonsey smiled "what idea is that?"

"Well" Dec replied "now we're not doing the music stuff anymore and our contract with the BBC is finished,we were thinking about starting our own production company,what do you think?"

Fonsey looked deep in thought for a few moments,Dec tried his best to try and read the weather beaten face that told a thousand stories,but he genuinely had no idea which way this would go.

Fonsey turned to face his son and looked him directly in the eye "I think that's a great idea"

"Really?" Dec grinned happily "you think it could work?"

"Of course it could work" Fonsey replied "what has your Mam told you your whole life Decky?"

"That I'm her baby?" Dec grinned.

"No,not that" Fonsey laughed "that you're special and I have no doubts in my mind that you can succeed at anything you put your mind to"

"Oh yeah that" Dec frowned "am I really any more special than anyone else though?I don't know what makes me so different?everyone has ups and downs in life and it will no doubt be the same for me,why should I be any different?"

"Of course you will have ups and downs as you go through life son" Fonsey smiled "but it's how you deal with those ups and downs that count,look at you now.You just lost the contract with the BBC and have decided to stop with the music and that effectively makes you unemployed now"

"Never thought of it like that" Dec said with a sigh "I guess I am unemployed"

"But" Fonsey continued "my point is,instead of being down about what's happening in your life right now,you're not dwelling on it,just accepting that things are changing and you're already thinking about your next venture.That's admirable Declan,I know you're very sensitive and can let things like this get to you sometimes,but you have grit and determination and that will always see you through the bad times"

"Get it from you Dad" Dec smiled.

"Anyway" Fonsey advised "keep working hard like you always do,remember the good times will outweigh the bad in the end and you put your heart and soul into starting this production company if that's what you want?"

He paused for a moment "you know what Dec?"

"What?" Dec answered as he looked adoringly into his fathers eyes.

"I remember the day you were born so clearly" Fonsey smiled at the memory "I remember holding you in my arms,such a tiny little thing you were..."

"Still am" Dec interrupted.

"Yeah" Fonsey laughed "but I held you close to me that day and told you when you were no more than a few hours old how I knew you'd go far and I was right wasn't I?"

"I guess" Dec nodded "but how you can tell that from a newborn baby I'll never know?"

"Me neither" Fonsey agreed "it was just a feeling,an instinct if you like,but I was right,guess my instincts are pretty spot on eh?"

"If you say so Dad" Dec laughed.

"I do" Fonsey grinned "you go ahead with this production company..."

"Ant and Dec productions" Dec cut in proudly.

"Very original name" Fonsey teased.

"Well it's basic,but to the point" Dec replied "there'll be no doubt it's ours"

"Yeah,I agree" Fonsey smiled "no room for error there lad"

Fonsey and Dec stayed silent for a few minutes,just watching the goings on in the garden and listening to the bird song,this was one thing Dec didn't realise he was missing while being in London until he got home again.The peace and quiet,the tranquillity,the sounds of nature.Of course Newcastle was a bustling,vibrant city too,but when he was sat in the back garden of the home where he grew up,just him and his beloved father,any noise or chaotic city living seemed a million miles away,this was his peace,his safe place.

"Declan?" Fonsey finally broke the silence.

"Yes Dad?"

"Just remember on a more practical level" the loving father said "put some money away for a rainy day,no one knows what's around the corner and you should always have something in the bank to fall back on in hard times,I'd hate to see you struggle the way your Mam and I have over the years"

"I've already started saving Dad" Dec announced "you always taught us to work hard and be careful with our money"

"Good" Fonsey smiled "you're young and i know you do work hard,so you should be having fun as well,but it's good to be aware that circumstances can change at anytime,so I'm glad you're being sensible about it and one more thing"

"What's that?" Dec enquired.

"Always be nice to people on the way up,because you might just meet them again on the way down" Fonsey reminded Dec of the well known saying.

"I will Dad" Dec smiled "I don't think I could ever be horrible to people just for the sake of it,that's just not me"

"I know it's not son" Fonsey smiled "you're one of lifes nice guys and I'm so proud of you for the amazing young man you've turned into"

Fonsey kissed Dec affectionately on his forehead and squeezed his shoulder again tightly.

"Thanks Dad" Dec smiled "I'm glad we had this chat,you know how much I value your opinion right?you always know what to say"

"I'm glad we had this chat too" Fonsey replied "so tell me,how's things going with Clare?been a while now hasn't it?"

"Yeah it has" Dec grinned.

"Brought you boys a cuppa" Anne interrupted with a smile as she stepped out from the back door into the garden while carrying two steaming mugs of hot tea.

"Thanks" the two men replied together.

"Our Declan here was just about to tell me how things are going with his young lady" Fonsey informed his wife.

"Dad" Dec blushed awkwardly.

"It's ok Decky" Anne smiled "your old Mam won't embarrass you by wanting to hear about your love life.I've got some ironing to do anyway,so you carry on with your boys talk"

"So where were we?" Fonsey enquired "how's it going then?nice girl that Clare"

By now,Decs family had met Clare a fair few times and they all approved of her,especially as they could see just how happy she made Dec.

"Glad you think so" Dec grinned shyly "cos we're pretty serious,I think she's the one"

"Ah young love" Fonsey smiled "you treat that girl well,you hear me?she deserves it"

"I will dad" Dec replied "and I do"

"Good" Fonsey smiled "I never doubted it for a minute"

"It's amazing isn't it?" Dec asked.

"What's that son?" Fonsey enquired as he took a sip of his tea.

"Being in love" Dec giggled.

"It certainly is lad" Fonsey laughed "make the most of every precious moment"

"I am" Dec sighed "it's just a shame we've been so busy,would like to see more of her"

"Well you've got spare time now" Fonsey pointed out.

"Yeah,but she's still working" Dec frowned "her filming schedule is pretty hectic at the moment"

"Don't you worry Decky" Fonsey smiled "it'll sort itself out,life has a habit of doing that"

"Yeah,it will" Dec nodded in agreement "Ants in love too ya know?"

"Is he now?" Fonsey laughed.

"Yeah he is" Dec replied "not sure he's told Lisa yet though,but he's told me.It's been great though,the four of us double dating or just hanging out at the flat and the girls get on really well too which is amazing"

"I'm so glad you're happy Declan" Fonsey smiled.

"I am" Dec replied "I was upset at first about getting sacked from the BBC and our show being cancelled,but now I think it may have been a blessing in disguise,we can focus on moving on to other projects,Mike has agreed to carry on being our manager even though he was originally employed by Telstar,we're gonna pay him out of our own pockets so he's working hard at getting us some work lined up and I know the production company will be a success"

Fonsey patted Dec on the back lovingly.He was so happy to have his son home,the odd weekend where he had only been able to manage a flying visit were never enough,so he planned to make the most of every minute he had with him this time.

"So you've visited some of your brothers and sisters already" Fonsey stated "got any other plans for while you're here?"

"Dunno" Dec shrugged "see alot more of them hopefully,maybe catch up with some mates,I feel bad that I haven't had the time for them lately"

"I'm sure they understand" Fonsey smiled.

"Yeah" Dec nodded "would be great to see them though and I also want to spend as much time with you and Mam as possible too"

"That'll be nice" Fonsey agreed "come to work with me if you like?just like when you were a nipper"

"Yeah that would be great" Dec agreed "still want to hang out with Ant as well though,at least some of the time"

"Of course you do" Fonsey laughed "become inseparable you two haven't you?"

"Pretty much" Dec smiled.

"Well,I'm glad you've got him to look out for you,he's a good lad" Fonsey smiled.

"Yeah,I'm sure he'll be over to visit before long" Dec replied "he really wants to see you guys"

"Well,you know he's welcome anytime" Fonsey stated.

"Guess what?" Fonsey announced, suddenly changing the subject with the excitement of a young child.

"What?" Dec asked curiously.

"I've got a new hobby" Fonsey announced.

"Oh yeah?" Dec couldn't help laughing at his Dad.

"Yeah" Fonsey continued "me and a few of the lads from the Irish centre have been getting together to play golf once or twice a week,or when time and the weather permits.It's really good fun,maybe you and Ant could join us for a round while you're here?what do you think?"

"Golf?" Dec smirked at this unexpected development in his fathers life "why would you want to play that?"

"Because I enjoy it" Fonsey laughed,not at all surprised at his sons reaction,playing golf was hardly life in the fast lane after all "just give it a try,you never know,you might actually like it"

"Yeah,I don't think that's gonna happen somehow" Dec replied.

"Golf must be the worlds most boring game!"