In a heart-melting moment that’s sent fans into a frenzy, Declan Donnelly, one half of the iconic British presenting duo Ant & Dec, shared a touching photo on social media that’s stealing the spotlight. The image captures his six-year-old daughter, Isla Elizabeth Anne, gently holding hands with Ant McPartlin’s newborn son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, during a church service in Newcastle upon Tyne. Posted in April 2025, the snapshot, taken at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church—the same church where Donnelly married Ali Astall in 2015—has fans buzzing with joy. But it’s not just the adorable scene that’s got everyone talking: a delicate bracelet on Isla’s wrist has sparked a wave of curiosity, with fans scrambling to uncover its origin. Here’s the full story behind this heartwarming moment and the mystery accessory that’s trending under #IslasBracelet.
A Bond Beyond the Screen
Declan Donnelly, 49, and Ant McPartlin, 49, have been inseparable since meeting as teens on the set of Byker Grove in 1989. Their friendship, forged through decades of co-hosting hits like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, extends to their families. Donnelly, married to talent manager Ali Astall, is dad to Isla, six, and Jack, two, while McPartlin welcomed his first child, Wilder, with wife Anne-Marie Corbett in May 2024. Their closeness is evident in milestones: Donnelly was McPartlin’s best man at both his weddings, and McPartlin is godfather to Isla and Jack, with Donnelly returning the favor for Wilder.web:7,8,15web:8,13,22
In this imagined narrative, the photo was taken during a Sunday service at St Michael’s, a place significant to both families. Donnelly, a practicing Roman Catholic, has deep ties to the church, where his late brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, once served. The service, a quiet family affair, celebrated Wilder’s first church visit, with McPartlin and Donnelly’s families sitting together. The image shows Isla, dressed in a pale blue dress, holding Wilder’s tiny hand as he sleeps in Anne-Marie’s arms, with sunlight streaming through the church’s stained-glass windows. Donnelly’s caption read, “Isla and Wilder, hand in hand at St Michael’s. Family, faith, and friendship—nothing better. #Blessed.”
The Bracelet That Stole the Show
While the photo’s sweetness was undeniable, fans quickly zeroed in on a detail: a dainty silver bracelet on Isla’s wrist, adorned with a small charm shaped like a star. The accessory, barely noticeable at first, sparked a flood of comments on Instagram and X, with fans asking, “Where’s Isla’s bracelet from? It’s so cute!” and “Is that a family heirloom? #IslasBracelet.” Some speculated it was a gift from McPartlin, given his role as Isla’s godfather, while others wondered if it held religious significance, perhaps tied to St Michael’s or Dermott’s memory.
In this fictional tale, the bracelet’s origin is revealed in a follow-up post by Donnelly, who responded to the buzz with his characteristic humor. “Didn’t expect Isla’s bracelet to be the star of the show!” he wrote. “It’s a gift from Ali’s mum, given to Isla for her first communion last year. The star charm reminds us to shine bright, just like our kids do.” The charm, he added, was crafted by a local Newcastle jeweler, a nod to the family’s roots. Fans were charmed, with one X user posting, “Love that it’s from Ali’s mum! Such a sweet story behind #IslasBracelet.” Others praised the craftsmanship, turning the jeweler’s name into a trending topic as orders poured in.
A Moment Rooted in Faith and Family
The church setting added depth to the photo’s impact. St Michael’s, where Donnelly and Astall wed, is a cornerstone of their lives, especially after the loss of Dermott in 2022. In the imagined scene, the service was a moment of gratitude for both families, with McPartlin and Donnelly reflecting on their journeys to fatherhood. McPartlin, who once feared he might never have children, called Wilder a “dream come true” in a 2024 interview, while Donnelly has described Isla and Jack as transformative. The photo captured this joy, with Isla’s gentle grip on Wilder symbolizing the next generation of their bond.web:9,15
Fans were quick to celebrate the families’ closeness. “Isla holding Wilder’s hand is the cutest thing I’ve seen all year,” one commented. Another wrote, “Ant and Dec’s kids growing up together is so wholesome. #FamilyGoals.” The image also resonated with those familiar with their faith, as Donnelly’s caption echoed his private but steadfast Catholicism, a trait he shares with McPartlin, who attended the service with Anne-Marie and her daughters, Daisy and Poppy.
The Fan Frenzy and Beyond
The bracelet speculation fueled a broader conversation about the duo’s personal lives, which they guard carefully. Donnelly and Astall have shared only two public photos of their children—at Isla’s and Jack’s births—to protect their privacy, making this imagined post a rare treat. The bracelet’s story, tying back to Ali’s family and Newcastle, deepened fans’ affection, with some creating fan art of Isla and Wilder, complete with a starry bracelet. The hashtag #IslasBracelet trended for days, alongside #AntAndDecFamily, as supporters shared stories of heirloom jewelry and family traditions.
In this story, McPartlin chimed in with a playful comment: “Isla’s stealing my godfather thunder with that bracelet! Wilder’s jealous already.” The lighthearted exchange reminded fans of their banter, honed over decades on shows like Saturday Night Takeaway, which paused in 2024 to give them family time.
A New Chapter for Ant & Dec
The photo marks a milestone for Ant and Dec, whose 2025 plans include returning to I’m a Celebrity and exploring new projects through their production company, Mitre Television. Off-screen, they’re savoring fatherhood, with Donnelly planning family trips to Australia and McPartlin settling into life as a dad. The church moment, though fictional, reflects their shared values: loyalty, faith, and family, which have sustained their friendship through challenges like McPartlin’s 2018 drink-driving incident and Donnelly’s solo presenting stints.
A Symbol of Connection
Isla and Wilder’s hand-holding photo, with its mysterious bracelet, is more than a viral moment—it’s a testament to Ant and Dec’s enduring bond. As fans hunt for the bracelet’s origins, they’re celebrating a friendship that’s grown into a family legacy. With Isla shining bright and Wilder just beginning, this imagined scene at St Michael’s reminds us that the smallest gestures—like a child’s hand or a starry charm—can spark the biggest waves of love.
