ANT McPartlin candidly told of his dreams of becoming a dad eight years ago in a hugely emotional interview.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge has now seen his fatherhood wishes come true, this week revealing the birth of his son Wilder who he shares with wife Anne Marie Corbett.
The pair, who tied the knot in 2021, announced their baby news on Instagram with Ant said to be “beyond thrilled.”
He is now embarking on paternity leave– a concept that was on his mind almost a decade ago.
Back then, the Saturday Night Takeaway frontman spoke exclusively to The Sun’s TV Mag and said: “In five year’s time, I definitely see kids and all that in my life.”
Time may have taken his journey in a different direction, but he is certainly now one proud papa.
During the same chat Ant, who was previously married to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, opened up on the value of family time as his broadcasting career with best pal Declan Donnelly escalated.
He added to us at the time: “You realise what’s important in life.
“We appreciate time off more and try to build in family time.
“In your 20s and 30s you are working so hard and you want to be the best you can be but when you come into your 40s you want to pursue different things.”
He added: “We do think about slowing down, work wise, because you don’t want to kill yourself.”
His comments resonate even more now after the pair’s show – Saturday Night Takeaway – recently wrapped after 20 years, leaving the duo in floods of tears.
Happy arrival
Ant’s wife Anne-Marie, 46, gave birth to their son Wilder at the London Clinic on Tuesday – the same hospital where the King and Princess of Wales have received treatment for cancer in recent months.
Ant confirmed Anne-Marie had given birth yesterday and shared a photograph of him cradling baby Wilder on Instagram.
He said: “Welcome to the family. Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am.
Ant and Dec's incredible career
ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly met on the set of Byker Grove in 1990.
The two went on to have chart success under their characters’ names – including their 1994 No1 smash hit Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.
They haven’t looked back since then, going on to present some of the most popular shows on TV.
Here’s a rundown of some of their most popular shows – plus one “dud”.
- The Ant & Dec Show – this late afternoon kids’ entertainment series ran from 1995-1996 for 17 episodes
- Ant & Dec Unzipped – the twosome jumped from ITV to Channel 4 for this children’s sketch show in 1997
- SM:TV Live– the duo teamed up with Cat Deeley in 1998 for Saturday morning mayhem including the classic Wonkey Donkey game
- Friends Like These – the Geordie pair hopped channels again, landing on BBC One to present this game show from 1999 until 2001
- Pop Idol– before The X Factor there was Pop Idol, which ran for two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and saw Michelle McManus and Will Young crowned the winners
- I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – the reality TV show began in 2002, with Dec presenting all 23 seasons, even one without sidekick Ant as Holly Willoughby stepped up
- Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – this show also began in 2002, but the lads said the 2024 offering would be their last
- PokerFace – Ant and Dec created this game show which aired from 2006-2007. with a top prize of £1million.
- Britain’s Got Talent – the TV series began in 2007 with the pair’s backstage antics loved by fans. They also took part in silly competitions on Stephen Mulhern‘s ITV spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent
- Red Or Black – the show only aired for two seasons in 2011 and 2012. It was one of the pair’s rare “flops” with Dec admitting “we got it wrong”
- Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win – the pair had another success on their hands when this show hit screens in 2022
“Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”
A friend added to us: “Ant and Anne Marie are beyond thrilled – their little family is complete.
“They’ve been overwhelmed with lovely messages from friends, family and fans and are still wading through them all now. They are incredibly grateful to everyone.
Ant cannot wait to be a hands-on dad, changing the nappies and just spending time with little Wilder
A source
“They chose the name, Wilder, a while ago but have deliberately kept it a closely guarded secret.
“They are going to be absolutely wonderful, doting parents and Ant cannot wait to be a hands-on dad, changing the nappies and just spending time with little Wilder.”
Since he started dating Anne-Marie, Ant has become a devoted step-dad to her children Poppy and Daisy, even dedicating a tattoo tribute to the family.
The Sun first revealed Ant and Anne Marie were going to be parents for the first time in February.
