Anthony McPartlin’s Secret Pre-Wedding Promise to Anne-Marie Corbett Uncovered by Lisa Armstrong Three Years After Divorce

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the UK entertainment world, Anthony McPartlin, the affable half of the Ant and Dec presenting duo, is at the center of a deeply personal story. Reports emerging on X and detailed by outlets like The Mirror and OK! Magazine reveal that McPartlin secretly recorded a heartfelt “promise” to his fiancée, Anne-Marie Corbett, before their 2021 wedding. Intended as a private vow of love and commitment, this recording has unexpectedly resurfaced, opened by none other than McPartlin’s ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, three years after their high-profile 2018 divorce. The contents of the recording, described as both tender and poignant, have sparked intense fan reactions, with some celebrating McPartlin’s devotion and others questioning how Armstrong gained access to such an intimate artifact.

McPartlin, 49, and Corbett, 46, have been a beacon of resilience since their romance began in 2018. Their relationship followed McPartlin’s tumultuous split from Armstrong, a celebrated makeup artist for Strictly Come Dancing, after 11 years of marriage and 23 years together. The divorce, finalized with a reported £31 million settlement, was marred by McPartlin’s struggles with prescription drug addiction, a 2018 drink-driving incident, and the public fallout of his relationship with Corbett, their former personal assistant. Despite early controversy, McPartlin and Corbett built a life together, marrying in a £500,000 ceremony at St. Michael’s Church in Heckfield, Hampshire, on August 7, 2021. The birth of their son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, in May 2024, and McPartlin’s role as stepfather to Corbett’s daughters, Daisy and Poppy, have cemented their family, often seen in joyful moments like beach trips in Barbados or strolls in Wimbledon.

The secret recording, as reported by Daily Mail, was made by McPartlin in the weeks leading up to the 2021 wedding. Described as a “spoken letter,” it captured his deepest feelings for Corbett, promising unwavering loyalty and a future filled with love. “I recorded it late one night, just me and my thoughts,” McPartlin reportedly shared with close friends, per The Mirror. “It was my way of giving Anne-Marie my heart before we said ‘I do.’” The recording, saved on a USB drive, was meant to be a private gift, presented to Corbett on their wedding night. Sources say it included promises to “always put her first,” to be a devoted father, and to honor their family, alongside reflections on his recovery from addiction, crediting Corbett as his “rock.”

How this recording ended up with Armstrong, 48, remains a mystery that has fueled speculation. Sources cited by HELLO! suggest it was discovered among shared belongings related to their Labrador, Hurley, whose custody they continue to navigate. Armstrong, who received their £2.3 million Chiswick mansion in the divorce and recently took it off the market, reportedly stumbled upon the USB in a box of Hurley’s items sent by McPartlin in early 2025. “Lisa was shocked,” an insider told OK! Magazine. “She didn’t expect to find something so personal.” Armstrong, rumored to be pregnant and in a new relationship, listened to the recording, which stirred a mix of emotions given their fraught history.

The contents, partially leaked on X, have divided fans. In the recording, McPartlin reportedly says, “You’ve given me a second chance at life, Anne-Marie. I promise to build a world where you and our family will always feel safe and loved.” He also acknowledges his past, saying, “I wasn’t always the man I wanted to be, but with you, I’m becoming him.” Fans on X have praised the vulnerability, with one post reading, “Ant’s promise to Anne-Marie is so raw. It’s love after loss done right.” Others, however, sympathize with Armstrong, noting the pain of hearing her ex-husband’s devotion to another. “Lisa finding this must hurt,” another user wrote. “It’s like reopening a wound.”

Armstrong’s response, as shared in a brief statement to The Mirror, was measured but telling. “I didn’t ask for this, but I respect what Ant and Anne-Marie have built,” she said. “I’m focused on my own path now.” Her restraint contrasts with earlier years, when cryptic Instagram posts about “betrayal” and “loser exes” hinted at lingering resentment. Recent signs of détente—like Armstrong liking McPartlin’s anniversary post in August 2024—suggest she’s seeking closure, especially amid her rumored pregnancy and professional success. Yet, the discovery has reignited debate about her role in McPartlin’s narrative, with some X users accusing her of invading privacy. “How does Lisa ‘accidentally’ listen to a private vow?” one skeptic tweeted.

The timing adds intrigue. McPartlin’s recent moves—purchasing a £2 million property near Declan Donnelly’s west London home and planning a vow renewal with Corbett—signal a forward-looking mindset. The recording’s emergence, however, pulls him back to a past he’s worked to reconcile. Fans speculate it may tie to Hurley’s custody, with one X post suggesting, “Bet the USB was in a dog toy box Ant sent over. Messy but human.” Others see it as a catalyst for healing, noting Armstrong’s softened stance. “Lisa hearing Ant’s promise could close that chapter for good,” a supporter tweeted.

Critically, the recording underscores McPartlin’s evolution部分: McPartlin’s evolution as a public figure mirrors his personal growth. From the chaos of 2018—marked by addiction and a car crash—to his stable life as a father, his transparency about recovery has endeared him to fans. The recording, though private, aligns with this openness, offering a window into his heart. For Armstrong, its discovery is a complex moment, reflecting her resilience as she navigates a new relationship and potential motherhood. The incident challenges the narrative of their divorce as a simple hero-villain story, highlighting shared history through Hurley and mutual growth.

The fan divide reflects broader themes of love, forgiveness, and privacy. Supporters of McPartlin and Corbett see the recording as a testament to their enduring bond, while Armstrong’s advocates view her response as dignified. As one X post put it, “Ant’s promise is beautiful, but Lisa’s grace steals the show.” Another countered, “This feels like a violation of Ant and Anne-Marie’s moment.” The recording, though never meant for public ears, has become a symbol of reconciliation’s complexity—a private vow that, once opened, speaks to the world.

As McPartlin and Corbett move forward, and Armstrong carves her own path, the recording’s legacy may be its unintended gift: a chance for closure. Whether through Hurley’s shared love or a fleeting USB, their stories remain entwined, proving that even after divorce, some promises echo, binding past to present in unexpected ways.