A memorable evening spent with British television presenters Ant and Dec during university sparked a new ambition for a former chemistry student. This chance encounter in the mid-1990s led to aspirations of a career in entertainment rather than the traditional path of a chemist.
Attending Nottingham University, the student had little intention of pursuing a career in chemistry, especially after a mishap involving an experiment with goat’s blood and hydrogen peroxide. While the experience was unforgettable, the true highlight came during the second year when Ant and Dec announced a live show in town. Formerly known as PJ and Duncan from Byker Grove, the duo had shifted to presenting CBBC’s The Ant & Dec Show.
Expecting a comedy event filled with like-minded students, the reality was quite different. The theatre was packed with teenage fans, and the atmosphere was not what they had anticipated. After an evening of drinks, the students discovered the hotel where Ant and Dec were staying. They managed to charm their way into the presenters’ rooms, sharing stories and drinks late into the night.
It was in those early hours that the student realized a profound truth: why pursue a conventional career in chemistry when a life in entertainment was a possibility? Inspired by the playful energy of Ant and Dec, he decided to become the next entertainer, with his friend Phil as his partner in this new endeavor.
The duo’s ambitions took shape as they began to explore comedy and radio. They collaborated on sketches for their university magazine, adopting the pen name Phil and Rich. They even attempted to DJ, mixing tracks from Queen and Underworld. Their creative journey included a radio show called “Phil and Rich’s Potato Mash” on University Radio Nottingham, where they engaged in quirky games and even managed to broadcast two hours of silence due to a technical error.
Despite their ambitious dreams, the path to stardom proved challenging. After university, they sent their radio demo tape to numerous stations, receiving encouraging feedback but no offers. The Radio 1 controller advised them to “keep up the good work,” but the dream of hosting a major show remained out of reach.
Relocating to Australia, they launched a website called philandrich.com, filled with comedic content and banter, much of it inspired by the show A Bit of Fry & Laurie. Over time, the dream of becoming a joint brand faded, but both friends carved out careers in creative fields. The writer found his niche in journalism, while Phil pursued a role with the BBC.
Despite the divergent paths, the idea of a reunion remains alive. The possibility that Ant and Dec may retire from their long-standing television partnership leaves a glimmer of hope for Phil and Rich to step into the spotlight. This unexpected night with the famous duo not only ignited a passion for entertainment but also shaped their futures in ways they had not anticipated.
