Anthony “Ant” McPartlin, one half of the beloved presenting duo Ant & Dec, has made headlines recently not just for his television career but for a major personal milestone—becoming a father. In May 2024, Ant and his wife Anne-Marie Corbett welcomed their first biological child, a baby boy named Wilder Patrick McPartlin.
This article explores the birth, the public reaction, Ant’s life as a parent, and what this new chapter means for him and his family.
The Arrival of Wilder Patrick McPartlin
On 14 May 2024, Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett welcomed their son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born at 8:54 am at The London Clinic. The couple publicly shared the news with a black-and-white photograph of Ant holding the newborn, along with a sweet announcement:
“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 middle name Patrick is a tribute to Anne-Marie’s late father, Paddy. The announcement also revealed a new tattoo on Ant’s shoulder—a “family tree” design that includes names of his wife, stepdaughters, and pets.
The birth marked Ant’s first child with Anne-Marie, though he previously had stepchildren from Anne-Marie’s earlier relationship. This moment was highly anticipated by fans and media, as Ant had publicly expressed his desire to be a father.
Ant’s Role as Father & Family Life
Becoming a dad has evidently shifted Ant’s priorities and daily life balance. Media reports indicate that just days after Wilder’s birth, Ant returned to his TV duties, yet he remained committed to being present for his newborn In interviews, he has spoken about nappies, sleepless nights, and the joys and struggles of early fatherhood.
Ant is also a stepfather to Anne-Marie’s two daughters, Poppy and Daisy, from her previous marriage to Scott Corbett. He has described their relationship as blended and has publicly honored them in his tattoo design.
In public accounts, Ant is said to be hands-on in his parenting role, striving to learn and be as involved as he can while juggling his career. His return to Britain’s Got Talent soon after Wilder’s birth drew media attention to how he balances fatherhood and work.
Public Reaction & Media Coverage
The news of Ant’s baby was met with a wave of congratulations, social media buzz, and press coverage. Fans expressed delight at seeing a softer, more personal side to the TV star. Many media outlets covered the birth announcement, the tattoo reveal, and the family backstory.
The tattoo, in particular, captured public interest: the names of Amzie (Anne-Marie’s nickname), Poppy, Daisy, Milo, Bumble, and Hurley (the dog) are reportedly inscribed in the design. Some critics and gossip columns speculated whether Ant’s ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, might respond publicly given history, especially with shared custody of the dog Hurley becoming a contested issue.
Media also noted emotional undercurrents: Lisa Armstrong was reportedly marking the anniversary of her father’s death around the time the baby announcement came, prompting some to comment on timing and personal dynamics.
Overall, the reception skewed positive—many saw the birth as a joyous chapter in Ant’s life, and social media erupted with well-wishes from fans and celebrity peers alike.
Ant’s Previous Attempts at Fatherhood & Personal Journey
Before Wilder, Ant McPartlin had faced challenges around starting a family. In past interviews, he acknowledged longing for children and the difficulties of trying when older. He and his former wife, Lisa Armstrong, had publicly been open about building life together, but the purchase of children did not materialize in that partnership.
Their divorce in 2018, amid Ant’s struggles with addiction and public life pressures, changed his personal life trajectory. Over time, Ant’s relationship with Anne-Marie Corbett led to renewed hope for parenthood, which ultimately came to fruition with Wilder.
Some media coverage frames Wilder’s arrival as a kind of “second chance” or fulfillment of a long-silent desire for fatherhood—an emotional arc that resonates with many in his audience.
What Wilder’s Birth Means for Ant’s Future
The arrival of Wilder Patrick McPartlin likely marks a turning point for Ant’s personal life and public image. He has previously talked about how fatherhood has made him more grounded, reflective, and fully human to his audience.
His tattoo with names of children and pets suggests a renewed commitment to prioritizing family in his life choices. He may lean into more personal storytelling or more selective public exposure of his family life.
Professionally, Ant might choose to balance his on-screen commitments more cautiously, perhaps taking breaks or adapting work in ways that accommodate his role as a father.
Wilder’s birth also redefines Ant’s legacy: not just as one half of a popular TV duo, but as a father with continuity, heritage, and personal chapters that resonate beyond entertainment.
