Ant McPartlin, the charismatic half of the UK’s beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec, stunned fans and reshaped his life with the announcement of his first child, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born on May 14, 2024, to him and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. The unexpected reveal, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post, marked a seismic shift for the 48-year-old TV icon, whose career has defined British entertainment through shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent. The birth of Wilder, kept secret until the announcement, not only introduced McPartlin to fatherhood but also prompted significant career decisions, including pausing Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway to prioritize family. This “baby shock” transformed McPartlin’s personal and professional trajectory, cementing a new chapter after years of public triumphs and personal challenges. Below, I delve into the announcement’s impact, its surprising twists, and how it forever altered McPartlin’s life and career, drawing on verified details for a comprehensive narrative.
The Baby Announcement That Shocked the Nation
On May 14, 2024, McPartlin shared a black-and-white Instagram photo on the Ant and Dec account, cradling his newborn son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born at 8:54 AM. The caption read, “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 post, viewed by millions, caught fans off guard, as McPartlin and Corbett, married since August 2021, had kept the pregnancy private. Social media erupted with reactions like, “Ant’s a DAD? Mind blown!” and “Wilder’s already stolen the show!” The name Wilder, meaning “untamed,” reflected McPartlin’s vibrant persona, while Patrick honored his Irish roots, adding a traditional touch.
The announcement’s emotional weight was amplified by a new tattoo revealed in the photo—a family tree on McPartlin’s shoulder with the names Amzie (Anne-Marie’s nickname), Daisy, Poppy (Corbett’s daughters from her previous marriage), and dogs Milo and Bumble. The tattoo symbolized his commitment to his blended family, though the apparent omission of Hurley, the Labrador he shares with ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, sparked brief controversy. McPartlin later clarified Hurley’s name was included but hidden in the image, quelling most criticism. The secrecy of the pregnancy, a departure from McPartlin’s public life, made the reveal a genuine shock, with fans praising his ability to keep such a milestone under wraps.
A Surprising Twist in McPartlin’s Life
The birth of Wilder was a surprising turn for McPartlin, whose path to fatherhood was fraught with challenges. At 48, he became a first-time dad later than his presenting partner, Declan Donnelly, who has two children, Isla (born 2018) and Jack (born 2022). McPartlin’s 2018 divorce from Lisa Armstrong after 11 years, coupled with a drink-driving incident and painkiller addiction following a 2017 knee injury, had cast uncertainty over his personal life. In a 2013 interview, he and Armstrong discussed their fertility struggles, with McPartlin saying, “We’d love to have kids. We’re trying,” but their marriage ended without children, a reported source of pain for Armstrong.
His 2018 relationship with Corbett, a former personal assistant, marked a fresh start. Their 2021 wedding was a quiet affair, and the couple’s decision to keep Wilder’s pregnancy private reflected a desire to shield their joy from public scrutiny. Sources described McPartlin as “overwhelmed with happiness,” noting he had “come to terms with not having children” before Corbett’s pregnancy. The announcement’s timing, just before Britain’s Got Talent live shows, added to its impact, as McPartlin took paternity leave, temporarily stepping back from his £30 million ITV career. This move, coupled with his emotional vulnerability in the Instagram caption—“Dad’s a mess!”—revealed a softer side to the presenter, endearing him to fans.
The Career-Changing Impact
Wilder’s arrival prompted a pivotal career shift for McPartlin, most notably the decision to pause Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway after its 20th series in 2024. The show, a cornerstone of their 30-year partnership, was shelved to allow McPartlin and Donnelly to focus on family. McPartlin explained, “We need to spend time with our children. It’s the right time for a breather.” The decision, announced in 2023 but solidified post-Wilder, shocked fans, as Takeaway’s chaotic energy defined Ant and Dec’s legacy. Social media posts lamented, “No Takeaway? Ant’s dad life is changing everything!” but many supported his choice, with one fan writing, “Family first—respect to Ant.”
McPartlin’s fatherhood also influenced his approach to other projects. He returned to I’m a Celebrity in Australia in November 2024, but leaving Wilder and Corbett for three weeks was “really emotional,” according to sources. Anne-Marie and Wilder joined him for his 49th birthday on November 18, 2024, with photos showing McPartlin beaming on a Gold Coast beach, cradling his son. His commitment to Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win continued, but insiders noted a “calmer” McPartlin, prioritizing family over relentless TV schedules. The tattoo, including Daisy and Poppy, underscored his stepfather role, with the girls’ excitement over Wilder shaping his home life.
Fan and Celebrity Reactions
The announcement sparked a wave of joy from fans and celebrities. Davina McCall commented, “Arggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!! This is AMAZING!!!!” while Alesha Dixon noted Wilder shared her mother’s birthday, adding, “Can’t wait to meet buba.” Jamie Redknapp, Ashley Banjo, and Cat Deeley joined the chorus, with fans posting, “Ant’s gonna be the coolest dad!” and “Wilder’s got the best parents!” Memes of McPartlin hosting I’m a Celebrity with a baby bottle went viral, capturing the public’s delight. The announcement aligned with 2024’s celebrity baby boom, from Sofia Richie to Justin Bieber, but McPartlin’s late-in-life fatherhood after personal struggles resonated uniquely, with X users calling it “inspiring.”
A minor controversy arose over the tattoo’s perceived omission of Hurley, fueling speculation about McPartlin’s relationship with Armstrong. Armstrong’s cryptic Instagram post about “silent battles” and a friend’s comment about the tattoo being a “kick in the teeth” hinted at tension, but her focus on her nephew’s birth in December 2024 shifted attention. McPartlin’s clarification about Hurley’s inclusion calmed most fans, who rallied around his happiness, posting, “Ant loves all his family, human and furry!”
A Life Forever Changed
Wilder’s birth transformed McPartlin’s life, blending joy with new priorities. In a September 2024 interview, he called fatherhood “wonderful,” joking about “nappies and no sleep” but embracing the chaos. His bond with Daisy and Poppy strengthened, with the girls “besotted” with Wilder. Donnelly, a close friend, offered parenting tips, though McPartlin laughed off Dec’s “rubbish” advice like “pass the baby to someone else.” The emotional weight of leaving Wilder for Australia highlighted fatherhood’s pull, with McPartlin’s beach reunion showing a man at peace.
Professionally, the pause of Takeaway opened doors for new ventures, with rumors of a streaming project in 2025. McPartlin’s £130 million fortune, shared with Donnelly, provides stability, allowing him to balance family and fame. His recovery from addiction, supported by Corbett’s “unwavering” love, makes Wilder’s arrival a triumph, with fans noting, “Ant’s come full circle.”
Conclusion
Ant McPartlin’s baby shock—Wilder Patrick McPartlin’s birth—changed his life and career forever, introducing fatherhood at 48 and prompting a historic pause of Saturday Night Takeaway. The surprise announcement, its emotional tattoo reveal, and McPartlin’s shift to family-first priorities captivated fans, despite minor controversy over his ex-wife’s reaction. Social media summed it up: “Ant as a dad is the best plot twist!” For updates, follow the Ant and Dec Instagram or ITV news.
