Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly Welcome Second Children Days Apart: A Heartwarming Moment on TV

A Double Dose of Baby Joy

Ant McPartlin, 49, and his wife Anne-Marie Corbett welcomed their second child, a baby girl, in early May 2025, just over a year after the birth of their son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, in May 2024. The couple, who married in 2021, have kept details of their new daughter private, but sources close to Ant describe him as “over the moon” and “relishing every moment of fatherhood.” Anne-Marie, a former personal assistant who became Ant’s partner after his high-profile divorce from Lisa Armstrong, has been praised by Ant as a “legend” in her role as a mother.

Meanwhile, Declan Donnelly, also 49, and his wife Ali Astall welcomed their second son only days later, adding to their family alongside daughter Isla, 6, and son Jack Anthony Alphonsus, born in July 2022. Dec, who married Ali in 2015 after years of friendship and professional collaboration, shared a sweet announcement on social media, mirroring the heartfelt post he made for Jack’s birth. “Ali and I are thrilled to welcome our second son, a little brother for Isla and Jack,” he wrote, accompanied by a photo of the newborn’s tiny hand grasping his finger. The name of their new son has not yet been revealed, but fans speculate it may honor another significant figure in Dec’s life, much like Jack’s name paid tribute to Ant and Dec’s late father, Alphonsus.

The timing of the births, occurring within days of each other, has added an extra layer of charm to the story. Ant and Dec, who have been inseparable since meeting as teenagers on the set of Byker Grove in the early 1990s, often joke about their parallel lives. From buying neighboring homes in West London to coordinating career breaks, the duo’s synchronicity now extends to their growing families. Fans have dubbed this coincidence “peak Ant and Dec,” with many marveling at how their personal milestones continue to align.

The TV Moment That Melted Hearts

The emotional highlight came during a special episode of Britain’s Got Talent aired in mid-May 2025, when Ant and Dec made a surprise appearance to introduce a segment celebrating new beginnings. Both presenters walked onto the stage, each holding their newborn in their arms, as the audience erupted into applause. Ant cradled his daughter, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, while Dec gently rocked his son, who sported a tiny blue onesie. The sight of the typically boisterous duo in such tender, paternal roles was a departure from their usual high-energy antics, and it struck a deep chord with viewers.

Simon Cowell, a fellow BGT judge and father himself, led the tributes, joking, “I’ve seen these two handle everything from jungle bugs to dance routines, but this is their best performance yet!” The camera panned to the audience, where tears and smiles were visible, reflecting the warmth of the moment. Ant, visibly emotional, said, “We’ve been through a lot together, but this—being dads again—tops it all.” Dec, ever the cheeky counterpart, added, “Yeah, and we’ve already got them booked for the BGT kids’ auditions in 2030!”

The moment was shared widely on social media, with clips garnering millions of views. Fans flooded platforms like X with messages of love, with one user writing, “Ant and Dec holding their babies on BGT is the wholesome content we all needed. My heart can’t handle it! 😍” Another commented, “They’ve been making us laugh for decades, and now they’re making us cry happy tears. What a duo!” The hashtags #AntAndDecBabies and #BGTFamily trended for days, underscoring the public’s affection for the presenters and their families.

Balancing Fatherhood and Fame

For Ant and Dec, fatherhood has brought new perspectives to their lives and careers. Ant, who became a father for the first time at 48, has been open about the challenges and joys of parenting. In a 2024 interview, he described leaving his newborn son Wilder to film I’m a Celebrity in Australia as “difficult” but said it made returning home even sweeter. The arrival of his daughter has reportedly deepened his commitment to balancing work and family, with sources saying he’s keen to take more time off to be with Anne-Marie and their children.

Dec, a father of two before his second son’s arrival, has also prioritized family. In 2024, he and Ali expanded their £7 million West London home to accommodate their growing brood, adding a playroom and outdoor space for Isla and Jack. Dec’s decision to pause Saturday Night Takeaway after its 20th season in 2024 was partly motivated by a desire to spend more time with his children, a move he described as “a chance to catch our breath and be present for our families.” The birth of his second son has only reinforced this focus, with Dec reportedly planning to scale back his schedule in 2026.

Despite their family commitments, Ant and Dec remain at the top of their game professionally. Their work on I’m a Celebrity and Britain’s Got Talent continues to draw massive audiences, and their production company, Mitre Studios, is exploring new projects. However, the duo has hinted at a more selective approach to future endeavors, choosing projects that align with their values and allow flexibility for their families.

A Friendship That Defines a Generation

The simultaneous expansion of Ant and Dec’s families has also shone a spotlight on their enduring friendship. Having met at 13, the pair have navigated fame, personal challenges, and now parenthood together. Ant’s struggles with addiction and divorce were supported by Dec, who stood by him through treatment and recovery. Similarly, Ant was a rock for Dec during his own romantic ups and downs, including his “painful” split from ex-girlfriend Georgie Thompson in the early 2000s. Their bond, often described as brotherly, is a cornerstone of their appeal, and fans have loved seeing it reflected in their roles as fathers.

The shared experience of welcoming children days apart has only deepened their connection. In a lighthearted moment during the BGT appearance, Dec quipped, “We’ve got to stop doing everything at the same time—our wives are starting to get suspicious!” The joke, delivered with their trademark warmth, encapsulated the joy and humor that define their partnership.

A New Chapter for Ant and Dec

As Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly embrace this new chapter of fatherhood, their fans are along for the ride, celebrating every milestone. The image of the duo holding their newborns on Britain’s Got Talent will likely remain one of the most iconic moments of their careers, a testament to their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level. With their families growing and their friendship stronger than ever, Ant and Dec continue to prove that they are more than just TV presenters—they are a symbol of joy, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.

As they navigate the joys and challenges of raising their young children, one thing is certain: Ant and Dec will keep making the nation smile, whether they’re hosting primetime TV or sharing glimpses of their lives as devoted dads. Here’s to the next generation of the Ant and Dec legacy—may it be as heartwarming as the first.