Few figures in British television are as universally recognized and loved as Ant McPartlin. As one half of the beloved duo Ant & Dec, he’s been a fixture in family entertainment for more than three decades. From Byker Grove to Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent, Ant’s cheerful presence, humility, and humor have made him a household name across the UK.
But in May 2024, the spotlight shifted from the studio to the nursery. Ant McPartlin and his wife Anne-Marie Corbett welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Wilder Patrick McPartlin. The announcement broke the internet within minutes — not just because of his celebrity status, but because it represented something deeper: a new chapter for a man who has lived most of his life in front of cameras, now finding joy in the quietest and most personal of moments.
This is the complete biography of that moment — Ant McPartlin’s path to fatherhood, his evolution as a person, and how his baby marked the beginning of a gentler, more grounded phase of his life.
The Early Years — From Newcastle to National Fame
Ant McPartlin was born on November 18, 1975, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Growing up in a working-class household, he was known for his wit, warmth, and ability to make people laugh — qualities that would define his entire career.
His first taste of fame came at age 13, when he was cast in the CBBC teen drama Byker Grove. It was there that he met Declan Donnelly, a fellow young actor who would soon become his lifelong friend and creative partner. The two played “PJ” and “Duncan” — a pairing that would soon jump off the screen and into the music charts.
After leaving Byker Grove, Ant and Dec reinvented themselves as pop stars under the names PJ & Duncan. Their 1994 hit Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble reached the UK Top 10, launching them as teen idols. But despite their musical success, it was television that would ultimately define their legacy.
The Rise of Ant & Dec
By the late 1990s, Ant & Dec had transitioned fully into television presenting. Their chemistry was undeniable — quick, cheeky, and effortlessly relatable. Together, they hosted some of the UK’s most iconic shows, including:
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SMTV Live (1998–2003) — their breakout as Saturday morning favorites.
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Pop Idol (2001–2003) — where they became household names.
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I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (from 2002) — a cultural phenomenon.
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Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (from 2002) — a live entertainment juggernaut.
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Britain’s Got Talent (from 2007) — one of the biggest reality shows in history.
Throughout the years, Ant & Dec built a brand synonymous with integrity and charm. They became the friendly faces of family TV, winning over generations of viewers with humor and authenticity.
By the 2010s, their partnership was cemented in British pop culture. In 2016, both were awarded OBEs (Order of the British Empire) for services to broadcasting and entertainment — an honor that underscored their impact.
Yet behind the laughter, Ant’s life would soon take some deeply personal turns.
The Private Struggles Behind the Smile
Ant McPartlin’s life has not always been easy. His charm and humor often masked private pain — including a long battle with prescription medication dependency and alcohol misuse.
In 2017, after years of relentless work schedules, Ant entered rehab to seek help for addiction. He spoke openly afterward, describing how physical injuries and stress had taken a toll on both his mind and body.
Then, in 2018, a drink-driving incident brought intense media scrutiny. Ant was fined and temporarily stepped away from television to focus on his recovery. His absence was deeply felt by fans, but the public response was largely compassionate — a testament to his decades of goodwill.
During this time, his marriage to Lisa Armstrong, a makeup artist, ended in divorce. It was a difficult chapter, but one that would eventually lead to personal renewal.
A New Love and a New Beginning
After separating from Lisa, Ant developed a close relationship with Anne-Marie Corbett, his former personal assistant and long-time friend. Their bond grew quietly and steadily, away from the public eye.
By 2020, the couple were living together, and in August 2021, they married in an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends. Photos from the wedding showed Ant beaming — the same boyish grin, but with a newfound peace behind it.
Anne-Marie, a mother of two daughters from a previous relationship, brought stability and warmth into Ant’s life. Friends and colleagues described her as “kind, grounded, and protective” — someone who understood the pressures of fame but valued privacy above all else.
Together, they created a blended family that gave Ant something he had never truly had before: a sense of home.
The Baby Announcement That Melted Britain’s Heart
On May 14, 2024, at 8:54 a.m., Ant McPartlin became a father for the first time.
He announced the news later that day on Instagram, posting a black-and-white photo of himself holding his newborn son. The caption read:
“Welcome to the family, Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born 14/05/24 at 8:54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”
The post instantly went viral. Within minutes, social media was flooded with messages of congratulations from fans, fellow presenters, and celebrities across the entertainment industry. The tone of the announcement — emotional, funny, and heartfelt — was pure Ant.
The baby’s name, Wilder Patrick, sparked discussion and admiration. “Wilder” suggested a sense of adventure and individuality, while “Patrick” was widely believed to honor Anne-Marie’s late father, Paddy. Though the couple never confirmed this directly, it was a touching detail that resonated deeply with fans.
What Fatherhood Means to Ant
For Ant McPartlin, fatherhood arrived at the right time — a period when his career was stable, his personal life was calm, and his priorities had shifted toward meaning rather than momentum.
In interviews following the announcement, Ant shared that becoming a dad later in life gave him perspective. He described feeling “complete” and grateful to experience parenting alongside his stepdaughters, who were thrilled to welcome their new baby brother.
He also spoke about work-life balance, emphasizing that family now comes first. This wasn’t just talk — in early 2024, Ant & Dec announced that Saturday Night Takeaway would take an indefinite break after its 20th series. The duo explained that they wanted to “take time out for ourselves and our families.”
For Ant, that decision symbolized more than a career pause — it was an intentional move toward living life, not just broadcasting it.
Behind the Name — Wilder Patrick
Names carry stories, and the choice of Wilder Patrick was no exception.
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Wilder evokes nature, freedom, and originality — qualities Ant and Anne-Marie are said to value deeply. It also reflects Ant’s love of the outdoors, often seen in his passion for country life, dogs, and quiet getaways.
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Patrick, gentle and timeless, was interpreted by many as a tribute to Anne-Marie’s late father, Paddy — a man she has spoken of with affection and respect.
Together, the name symbolizes balance: one part spirited exploration, one part familial grounding. It’s a perfect reflection of the couple themselves — rooted in love, yet open to new adventures.
A New Era for Ant & Dec
The birth of Ant’s son coincided with a broader shift in his professional life. After more than two decades of near-constant television work, he and Declan decided to step back from weekly live programming.
Their long-running hit, Saturday Night Takeaway, aired its final episode of the season in April 2024. It was a bittersweet moment, marked by tears, nostalgia, and gratitude. Both presenters emphasized that it wasn’t a goodbye — just a break.
Ant’s baby announcement came only weeks later, reinforcing the sense that he was entering a new phase of life: one focused on family, health, and long-term happiness.
Fans, rather than mourning the show’s pause, largely celebrated the news. The public sentiment was clear: after decades of entertaining others, Ant deserved time to enjoy his own family’s company.
How Fatherhood Changed His Outlook
Those close to Ant have described fatherhood as transformative. He’s said to be “more centered, calmer, and happier than ever.” The man who once juggled endless projects now prefers quiet weekends, dog walks, and spending time at home with Anne-Marie and the children.
Fatherhood, for Ant, isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. He’s spoken openly about the importance of being there for every milestone and savoring the small moments.
Professionally, he’s found that the joy of parenthood has rekindled his creativity. As he continues hosting Britain’s Got Talent and preparing for future projects, there’s a renewed warmth in his presenting style — less performative, more personal. It’s as if being a dad has allowed him to rediscover the childlike curiosity and humor that first drew audiences to him decades ago.
Public and Media Response
When the baby news broke, the reaction across the UK was overwhelmingly positive. Tabloids, morning shows, and entertainment sites reported it not as celebrity gossip, but as a feel-good story.
Fans expressed admiration for how Ant handled the moment — sharing just enough to satisfy public curiosity while keeping his private life protected. Unlike many celebrity parents, he didn’t stage a photoshoot, sell exclusive rights, or reveal too many details. The single post was enough.
This approach reflected his and Anne-Marie’s shared values: gratitude without exposure, joy without performance. It was a reminder that even in an age of oversharing, sincerity still resonates.
A Balanced Life Beyond Television
Today, Ant McPartlin’s life looks different from the whirlwind years of live TV, awards shows, and tabloid headlines. He’s chosen balance over busyness, family over fame.
He continues to co-host Britain’s Got Talent, collaborate on production projects, and appear at charity events — but he’s also said to spend more time outdoors, focusing on wellness and parenting. Friends describe him as “happier than ever.”
He’s found joy in the ordinary: walking the dogs, cooking at home, and taking family trips. For someone who spent years chasing perfection on screen, that quiet contentment is perhaps the biggest success of all.
Lessons from Ant’s Journey
Ant McPartlin’s story — from fame to fall, recovery to renewal — offers valuable lessons about resilience, growth, and grace.
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It’s never too late to change. Ant’s openness about his struggles inspired thousands. His willingness to seek help set a powerful example.
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Private happiness matters more than public approval. After decades in the spotlight, he’s learned to prioritize inner peace over image.
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Fatherhood can redefine success. For Ant, the arrival of his son didn’t mark a career slowdown — it marked a redefinition of purpose.
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Partnership matters. His lifelong bond with Declan Donnelly, and his loving marriage to Anne-Marie, are testaments to the power of supportive relationships.
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Authenticity wins. Ant’s honesty — about his highs and lows — is what makes audiences trust and love him.
The Future Ahead
As of 2025, Ant McPartlin’s plans are deliberately open-ended. He continues to appear on Britain’s Got Talent, while also exploring behind-the-scenes work in television production and mentoring young talent.
But his top priority remains family. In interviews, he’s joked about sleepless nights and nappies, but there’s no mistaking his pride. He often refers to Anne-Marie as “the best mum in the world” and describes his son as “a little miracle.”
It’s clear that fatherhood has given him a sense of fulfillment that fame never could. He’s not just the entertainer who made Britain laugh — he’s a husband, a father, and a man who’s finally found peace.
Why the “Ant McPartlin Baby” Story Matters
The reason Ant McPartlin’s baby news resonated so deeply isn’t just because of his celebrity status. It’s because his story feels real. It’s about redemption, patience, and finding joy after hardship.
In an entertainment industry obsessed with constant output, Ant’s choice to step back — to slow down and embrace fatherhood — is quietly radical. It reminds us that behind every celebrity headline is a human being trying to live authentically.
For fans who grew up watching Ant & Dec on their screens, this chapter is both nostalgic and hopeful. It’s proof that growth never stops and that happiness can come when you least expect it — even decades into fame.
Conclusion
Ant McPartlin’s journey to fatherhood is more than a celebrity headline — it’s a story of resilience, love, and transformation. From his early days as a cheeky Newcastle actor to his triumphs and setbacks in the public eye, Ant has grown into a figure defined not just by talent, but by authenticity.
The birth of his son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, represents the culmination of that growth — a symbol of new beginnings and second chances. It’s a reminder that even the most public figures deserve moments of private joy, and that true success isn’t measured in ratings or awards, but in love and family.
As Ant himself might put it — the show will always go on, but the best performances are often the ones unseen.
