Imagine flipping through your phone and seeing a beloved TV star, someone you’ve watched for decades, share a simple black-and-white photo that instantly floods your feed with pure, unadulterated joy. That’s exactly what happened in mid-May 2024, when the nation’s favourite presenter, Ant McPartlin, announced the arrival of his first biological child. For a man who has shared so much of his life on screen, this was a beautifully personal milestone that had everyone smiling.
This wonderful news isn’t just about a new baby; it’s a story of a fresh start, a blended family’s new chapter, and a dream come true for Ant. So, let’s dive into the heartwarming details surrounding the arrival of the newest member of the McPartlin-Corbett clan.
The Big Announcement: Welcoming Wilder Patrick
The news broke in the most modern of ways: a heartfelt post on Instagram. On Tuesday, 14th May 2024, Ant McPartlin and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, welcomed their first child together, a beautiful baby boy.
The Happy Announcement
Ant chose a timeless black-and-white photograph to share the news with the world. The image was simple yet powerful, likely featuring the tiny hands or feet of their newborn son. His caption was equally heartfelt, officially introducing their baby to the world: “Welcome to the family. Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born 14/05/24.” The middle name, Patrick, is a sweet nod to Ant’s father, making the name a beautiful blend of the unique and the traditional. The post was instantly flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and famous friends alike, including, of course, his presenting partner Declan Donnelly.
A Long-Awaited Dream
For Ant, this moment is particularly special as it marks the birth of his first biological child. He has been incredibly open in the past about his desire to become a father, making this arrival a deeply meaningful and long-awaited dream finally realized. His journey to this point has been well-documented, including past personal struggles and his subsequent recovery, which makes this new chapter of happiness all the more poignant and celebrated by the public who have supported him.
Building a Beautiful Blended Family
While baby Wilder is a brand-new arrival, he’s stepping into a ready-made family full of love. This is where the story gets even richer, as it beautifully illustrates how modern families are built.
Meet Anne-Marie Corbett
The rock behind this happy news is Ant’s wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. Originally Ant’s personal assistant, their professional relationship blossomed into romance, and they tied the knot in a stunning wedding in August 2021. Anne-Marie was a steadfast source of support for Ant during some of his most challenging times, and their partnership clearly forms a solid foundation for their growing family.
The Proud Big Sisters
Baby Wilder isn’t Anne-Marie’s first child—she has two daughters from her previous marriage. This means Ant is now a proud stepfather to two young girls, and the arrival of their baby brother officially makes them a party of five! The dynamic of a blended family is a beautiful one, and by all accounts, Ant has a wonderful relationship with his stepdaughters. The birth of Wilder truly cements their unit, blending their lives together in the most magical way. It’s a new baby, yes, but it’s also the next step in the evolution of their family.
Blended Family Snapshot:
| Family Member | Relation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ant McPartlin | Father | First biological child |
| Anne-Marie Corbett | Mother | Mother of three |
| Wilder Patrick | Son | Newborn |
| Anne-Marie’s Daughters | Stepdaughters/Sisters | Proud big sisters |
The Public and Professional Reaction
It’s no secret that Ant and Dec are like family to millions of Brits. So, when one half of the duo has life-changing news, the reaction is understandably huge.
An Outpouring of Love
The public response to the Ant McPartlin baby news has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), were alight with congratulatory messages. Fans expressed their delight, often commenting on how deserved this happiness is for Ant, who has entertained them for over 30 years. It felt like a collective celebration for a man people feel they’ve grown up with.
Dec’s Role as “Uncle Dec”
Of course, one of the most anticipated reactions was that of Ant’s best friend and co-host, Declan Donnelly. Dec was, naturally, one of the first to celebrate the news. He quickly commented on the Instagram announcement with his trademark warmth and humour, solidifying his role as the baby’s “Uncle Dec.” This is significant because while Dec is a father of two himself, the dynamic between the two friends has now evolved. They are both dads, which adds a lovely new layer to their legendary partnership both on and off screen.
A New Chapter for Ant and Dec
Speaking of their partnership, many have wondered what this means for their future on television. The short answer? Absolutely nothing but more joy.
Family-Friendly Schedules
Ant and Dec are professionals at the top of their game, and they have always managed to balance their incredibly successful careers with their personal lives. If anything, this new arrival will only bring more warmth and perhaps even more relatable humour to their shows like Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. They’ve already proven they can navigate fatherhood within their schedule, with Dec being a devoted dad to his two children. This new Ant McPartlin baby simply means the “Uncle Dec” and “Dad Ant” stories are about to get even better.
The Future Looks Bright
This is a time of immense personal happiness for Ant. After everything he’s been through, this feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. He’s in a stable and loving marriage, he’s a dedicated stepdad, and now he’s a biological father. This personal contentment can only positively influence his professional work, bringing a renewed sense of joy and purpose. The future for Ant, Anne-Marie, their daughters, and baby Wilder looks incredibly bright indeed.
5 Quick Takeaways from Ant’s Baby News
- Dreams Do Come True: Ant’s journey to fatherhood is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late for a fresh start and that personal dreams can be realized.
- Blended Families are Beautiful: The McPartlin-Corbett family is a wonderful, modern example of how love makes a family, regardless of biology.
- The Power of Support: Having a strong partner like Anne-Marie has been instrumental in Ant’s happiness and this new chapter.
- Celebrity Joy is Shared Joy: The public’s genuine delight shows how connected people can feel to public figures who share parts of their lives.
- A New “Uncle Dec” Dynamic: The legendary partnership of Ant and Dec enters a fun new phase, with both now being fathers.
This exciting news makes you think about the beautiful unpredictability of life, doesn’t it? What’s your favourite memory of Ant (and Dec!) on screen, and how lovely is it to see him so happy off it?
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FAQs
What is the name of Ant McPartlin’s baby?
Ant and Anne-Marie named their son Wilder Patrick McPartlin. He was born on the 14th of May, 2024.
Is this Ant McPartlin’s first child?
Yes, baby Wilder is Ant McPartlin’s first biological child. His wife, Anne-Marie, has two daughters from a previous relationship, so he is also a stepfather.
How did Ant McPartlin announce the baby’s birth?
He announced the happy news via a black-and-white photo posted on his official Instagram account, introducing his son to the world.
What does the name Wilder Patrick mean?
While “Wilder” is a unique and modern first name, the middle name “Patrick” is a tribute to Ant McPartlin’s own father.
How has Declan Donnelly reacted to the news?
Dec was overjoyed and immediately commented on the announcement post, confirming his role as the baby’s delighted “Uncle Dec.”
Is Anne-Marie Corbett also a first-time parent?
No, Anne-Marie is already a mother to two daughters from her previous marriage. Baby Wilder is her third child and her first with Ant.
Will this affect Ant and Dec’s TV shows?
It’s highly unlikely. Dec is already a father of two and they have seamlessly balanced family life with their filming schedule. If anything, it adds to their relatable on-screen charm.
