Anthony McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett Plan Secret Anniversary Celebration with a Surprising First Guest

Anthony McPartlin, the charismatic half of the UK’s beloved Ant and Dec duo, has long been a fixture in the hearts of British television audiences. Alongside his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, the 49-year-old presenter is reportedly orchestrating a “secret anniversary” to mark their fourth year of marriage in August 2025. The couple, who tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in 2021, are known for keeping personal milestones private, but whispers of this intimate celebration—first shared on X and amplified by outlets like The Mirror and HELLO!—have sparked fervent fan excitement. The biggest surprise, however, is the identity of the first person invited: Lisa Armstrong, McPartlin’s ex-wife of 11 years, in a gesture that has left fans stunned and speculating about reconciliation and closure.

McPartlin and Corbett’s love story began in 2018, a challenging period following McPartlin’s divorce from Armstrong, a renowned makeup artist for Strictly Come Dancing. Their relationship, which blossomed after Corbett served as McPartlin’s personal assistant, faced public scrutiny due to its timing and Corbett’s prior role in the couple’s circle. Despite this, their bond grew, culminating in a £500,000 wedding at St. Michael’s Church in Heckfield, Hampshire, attended by celebrities like Declan Donnelly, Alesha Dixon, and Phillip Schofield. 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 solidified their family unit, often glimpsed in joyful moments like beach outings in Barbados or strolls in Wimbledon.

The secret anniversary celebration, described as a “small, heartfelt affair,” is reportedly being planned at their £6 million Wimbledon mansion, a far cry from the lavish 2021 nuptials. Sources cited by OK! Magazine suggest the couple wants to honor their journey—marked by McPartlin’s recovery from addiction, their new parenthood, and a deepened commitment—with a quiet evening of toasts, music, and close loved ones. “Ant and Anne-Marie have been through so much together,” an insider told The Mirror. “This is about celebrating their love and the family they’ve built.” Posts on X have fueled anticipation, with fans imagining a cozy setup featuring Corbett’s favorite lavender hues and a nod to their dogs, Hurley, Milo, and Bumble, who adorned their wedding cake.

The jaw-dropping twist lies in the guest list, specifically the first person invited: Lisa Armstrong. The 48-year-old, who was married to McPartlin from 2006 to 2018, has had a complex history with the couple. Their divorce, finalized with a reported £31 million settlement, was marred by public tension, including Armstrong’s social media posts about “betrayal” and a custody battle over their Labrador, Hurley. Recent years, however, have shown signs of thawing. In August 2024, Armstrong liked McPartlin’s Instagram post celebrating his third anniversary with Corbett, and sources suggest they’ve maintained civility through Hurley’s shared custody. McPartlin’s reported invitation to Armstrong, as revealed by Daily Mail, is a gesture of goodwill, aimed at acknowledging their shared past and fostering peace.

“It’s not about rekindling anything,” a source clarified to HELLO!. “Ant respects Lisa’s role in his life and wants to show there’s no bad blood, especially now that they’re both in new chapters.” Armstrong, rumored to be pregnant and in a new relationship, has rebuilt her life, thriving professionally and recently celebrating her nephew’s birth. Inviting her first—before even Donnelly, McPartlin’s best friend and best man—is a bold move, reportedly McPartlin’s idea to honor Armstrong’s significance while celebrating his present with Corbett. The gesture has divided fans on X. One camp praises its maturity: “Ant inviting Lisa is huge. It’s about healing, not drama,” a user posted. Others are skeptical, with one tweeting, “Lisa at Ant’s anniversary? Sounds like a PR stunt or guilt trip.”

The decision reflects McPartlin’s growth since his darkest days. His struggles with prescription drug addiction, a 2018 drink-driving incident, and a £86,000 fine marked a low point, but Corbett’s support and his commitment to sobriety have reshaped his life. The anniversary, expected to include Donnelly, his wife Ali Astall, and their children, Isla and Jack, underscores McPartlin’s desire to blend his past and present. “Ant’s learned to value everyone who’s been part of his journey,” an insider told The Mirror. “Inviting Lisa is his way of saying thank you and moving forward together.” Corbett, described as “gracious” and supportive of the idea, reportedly sees it as a step toward harmony for their extended family, including Hurley.

Details of the event remain under wraps, but fans on X envision an elegant evening, perhaps with a string quartet and a cake echoing their 2021 wedding’s floral theme. The inclusion of Wilder, now a toddler, and Corbett’s daughters adds a family-centric warmth, contrasting with the celebrity-heavy guest list of their first wedding. While Donnelly’s presence is a given—his bond with McPartlin, forged on Byker Grove and cemented through decades of collaboration, is unshakable—Armstrong’s potential attendance is the focal point. Will she accept? Recent reports suggest she’s considering it, moved by the gesture but wary of public perception.

The fan divide mirrors the complexity of their narrative. Supporters see McPartlin’s invitation as a testament to his recovery and emotional maturity, aligning with his openness about fatherhood and therapy. “Ant’s showing you can love someone new and still respect the past,” one X post read. Critics, however, question the optics, especially given Armstrong’s past hurt. “Lisa deserves peace, not an invite to Ant’s party,” another user argued. Some speculate the move ties to McPartlin’s recent property purchase near Donnelly’s home, rumored to signal family expansion, suggesting a broader effort to mend ties.

Critically, the invitation challenges typical celebrity drama tropes. Rather than perpetuating conflict, McPartlin and Corbett are rewriting their story as one of reconciliation and growth. Armstrong’s potential presence wouldn’t erase the pain of their divorce but could symbolize a shared commitment to peace, with Hurley as their unlikely bridge. The anniversary, though secret, carries public weight, resonating with fans who see in McPartlin a man redeemed by love and accountability.

As August 2025 approaches, the anticipation builds. Whether Armstrong attends or not, her invitation alone is a statement—a surprising, heartfelt gesture that redefines closure. For McPartlin and Corbett, the celebration is about their enduring bond, but inviting Armstrong first makes it something more: a bridge between past and future, built on respect and a dog’s unwavering love. Fans may remain divided, but one thing is clear: this anniversary will be unforgettable, proving that even in the spotlight, the smallest gestures can carry the greatest meaning.