Fans of classic Saturday morning television were treated to a nostalgic blast from the past this week as a legendary moment resurfaced from the golden era of kids’ TV: Declan Donnelly collapsing dramatically to the floor in front of Westlife during a laugh-out-loud prank on SMTV Live. The clip, which has gone viral again after being shared as part of an anniversary tribute to the beloved ITV show, has reignited fond memories of the chaotic, comedic brilliance that defined British children’s television in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
The Setup: SMTV Live’s Mischievous Legacy
SMTV Live (Saturday Morning Television), hosted by the iconic trio of Ant McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, and Cat Deeley, was more than just a children’s entertainment show — it was a cultural phenomenon. Known for its wild skits, unpredictable celebrity appearances, and infamous segments like Chums (a Friends-style sitcom parody), SMTV thrived on chaos and comedy.
One of the show’s most beloved recurring elements was the team’s knack for pranking their celebrity guests — with boybands often being the main targets. And few were targeted more frequently (or affectionately) than Westlife.
The Prank: Dec’s Dramatic Fall
In the now-viral clip, which originally aired around the early 2000s, Westlife are seen entering the studio during what was supposed to be a routine interview segment. As they’re welcomed on stage by Ant and Dec, Declan Donnelly suddenly clutches his chest and collapses in front of them — an over-the-top, theatrical fall that takes everyone by surprise, including Westlife themselves.
For a few brief moments, chaos ensues. Shane Filan is visibly shocked, Kian Egan steps forward in concern, and Nicky Byrne looks around, unsure if what just happened is real. The band members quickly rush to help, only for Dec to suddenly pop up, laughing hysterically, revealing the entire thing was an elaborate set-up prank.
“You should have seen your faces!” Dec shouts, as Ant bursts into laughter beside him. “Absolutely priceless!”
Westlife — once they realized they had been had — join in the laughter, though not without a few playful shoves and mock threats of revenge.
The Reaction: Fans and Celebs Revisit a Classic
The reemergence of the prank clip, shared by ITV in celebration of SMTV Live‘s 25th anniversary, has sparked a wave of online reaction. Fans old and new have praised the humor, chemistry, and charm of the moment, calling it a “perfect example of what made SMTV Live magical.”
One Twitter user wrote: “This is comedy gold. The way Westlife genuinely thought Dec had passed out — peak SMTV chaos. We need TV like this again!”
Another posted: “Declan Donnelly’s comic timing is criminally underrated. This prank with Westlife should be preserved in a museum.”
Even Westlife got in on the fun, reposting the clip with a caption that read: “We STILL haven’t recovered. That fall was Oscar-worthy, Dec.”
Behind the Scenes: Dec’s Pranking Masterclass
Former SMTV crew members have since confirmed that the prank had been carefully planned with the production team, and that only Ant knew it was coming. Westlife, who were among the most frequent musical guests on SMTV Live, were often praised for being good sports — but this particular stunt was one of the few times they were completely caught off-guard.
In a recent interview, Declan Donnelly reflected on the moment:
“We loved having Westlife on. They were proper mates by then, so we thought we’d mess with them a bit. The fall? Yeah, I might have overcommitted — I had bruises on my knees for a week!”
Why It Still Resonates Today
In an era where entertainment is often slick, pre-packaged, and carefully curated, the revival of moments like this one reminds audiences of the raw, unscripted energy of early-2000s British TV. SMTV Live wasn’t afraid to be silly, awkward, or unpredictable — and that’s exactly what made it beloved.
The fact that a simple prank — involving a fake faint and a startled boyband — can still go viral over 20 years later is a testament to the enduring charm of both the presenters and their famous guests.
It also highlights the genuine affection between the hosts and the stars they worked with. Westlife’s regular appearances on SMTV coincided with their rise to pop stardom, and the band’s relaxed, unfiltered presence on the show helped cement their image as not just pop stars, but people fans could laugh with.
The Legacy Lives On
As Westlife celebrates their own 25th anniversary and SMTV Live continues to be honored with retrospective specials and reruns, moments like Dec’s prank continue to fuel a shared sense of nostalgia for a time when Saturday mornings were an unpredictable mix of music, mayhem, and moments you’d talk about all week at school.
And if the response to this clip is anything to go by, there’s still a huge appetite for the kind of chaotic joy that SMTV Live brought into millions of homes.
Dec collapsing in front of Westlife may have been a prank — but the laughter, connection, and sheer absurdity of that moment are as real and resonant today as they were all those years ago. Long live SMTV, and long live Robobunny Dec.
