In late April 2025, a rumor spread across social media, claiming that Declan Donnelly, one half of the beloved British TV duo Ant & Dec, was spotted shopping for baby toys, fueling speculation that he’s gearing up for his first meeting with Ant McPartlin’s newborn son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin. The story paints a touching picture: Dec, 49, browsing London stores for the perfect gift to welcome Ant’s first child, born May 14, 2024, as their lifelong friendship enters a new chapter. But was Dec really seen buying baby toys, and is this tied to meeting Wilder? Here’s a deep dive into the rumor, the duo’s bond, and the truth behind the alleged sighting. 🛒👀

Ant’s New Chapter as a Father

Ant McPartlin, also 49, welcomed Wilder with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett, 46, in a London hospital, announcing the birth on their shared Instagram account. He shared a photo of himself cradling his son, writing, “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 revealed a tattoo honoring Anne-Marie, her daughters Daisy and Poppy from a previous marriage, and their dog Bumble. The name Wilder, meaning “untamed,” and Patrick, a nod to Anne-Marie’s late father, carried personal significance.

The birth drew warm congratulations from celebrities like Amanda Holden and Holly Willoughby, who called it “amazing news.” Dec, named Wilder’s godfather, is said to hold a key role in the child’s life. Ant, already a stepfather to Daisy, 15, and Poppy, 13, has embraced fatherhood, describing it as “wonderful” despite sleepless nights and diaper challenges. The milestone marks a joyful turn for Ant, who faced public struggles, including a divorce and personal challenges, before finding happiness with Anne-Marie.

The Rumor: Dec Shopping for Baby Toys

The claim that Dec was spotted shopping for baby toys surfaced on social media, with posts suggesting he was seen in a London store, possibly preparing for his first encounter with Wilder. The story implies Dec, a father of two, was selecting a thoughtful gift to mark his godfather role, with fans imagining items like a plush toy inspired by their shared love for Newcastle United or a personalized keepsake. However, no major news outlets have reported such a sighting in 2025. The rumor seems to stem from fan excitement and misinterpretations of Dec’s past public appearances.

In previous years, Dec was seen shopping with his wife Ali Astall, once with a high-end pram for their daughter Isla and another time carrying bags during a Christmas outing. More recently, he was spotted with his family in Australia, but these instances focused on family time, not toy shopping. No reports place Dec in a toy store in 2025, and the “first meeting” angle is questionable, given his close involvement with Ant since Wilder’s birth.

Ant and Dec’s Bond: A Gift-Giving Tradition

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both born in 1975 in Newcastle upon Tyne, met as teenagers on a children’s TV show in 1989, forging a friendship that became a TV empire. They’ve dominated British screens with hits like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, earning decades of awards and a massive fanbase. Their personal bond is just as strong: Dec was Ant’s best man at his weddings in 2006 and 2021, and Ant returned the favor at Dec’s 2015 wedding to Ali Astall.

Their gift-giving history adds plausibility to the rumor. For Ant’s birthday a few years ago, Dec pulled a prank with a box labeled “nothing” that was glued shut, sparking laughter. For Dec’s birthday during an Australian filming stint, Ant gifted biltong, teasing his appetite. When Dec’s daughter Isla was born in 2018, Ant expressed excitement for cuddles, and for Dec’s son Jack in 2022, Ant’s name was included as a middle name. Dec’s role as Wilder’s godfather suggests he’d likely give a gift, but there’s no evidence linking this to a 2025 toy store visit.

Why the Rumor Lacks Evidence

Several factors cast doubt on the story:

No Confirmed Sightings: No 2025 reports verify Dec shopping for baby toys. Past shopping outings were unrelated to Ant or Wilder, focusing on Dec’s own family.

Timing and Location: Dec was recently in Australia with his wife and children, Isla, 6, and Jack, 2, for work. By spring 2025, he’s likely back in London, but no toy store visits are documented. Ant, also in London, has been with Wilder since birth, making a “first meeting” unlikely.

Prior Interaction: As godfather, Dec probably met Wilder shortly after his birth in May 2024. A gift for a “first meeting” in 2025 seems untimely.

Source Reliability: The rumor originates from social media, not trusted news sources. Similar stories, like Dec holding Wilder first, were dismissed as fan-driven exaggerations.

The rumor may stem from Dec’s image as a devoted dad and friend. His public outings with his kids and his emotional support for Ant during tough times fuel perceptions of him as a gift-giving uncle figure. Fans’ shared love for their Newcastle United fandom also sparks toy-related speculation, like a football-themed gift.

Could Dec Be Preparing a Gift?

While no toy store sighting is confirmed, Dec likely gave or will give a gift for Wilder, given his godfather role. Their history suggests a mix of humor and heart:

A Newcastle United Toy: A plush mascot or mini kit, reflecting their football passion.

A Personalized Keepsake: A framed photo of Ant and Dec with Wilder, echoing their nostalgic reflections.

A Playful Prank: A toy with a cheeky note, like Dec’s past prank gifts.

Dec’s private nature suggests any gift would be shared quietly, not via a public shopping spree. Ant’s emotional embrace of fatherhood makes a heartfelt gesture plausible, but the “first meeting” narrative is likely outdated.

Public Reaction and Context

Social media posts show fans’ enthusiasm, with one user writing, “Dec picking out toys for Wilder? Too cute!” Another doubted, “Dec’s probably already met Wilder. This sounds made-up.” The rumor aligns with the duo’s decision to pause their long-running show to focus on family, adding fuel to stories of personal celebrations. Their recent work on Britain’s Got Talent and a double date with their wives highlight their close bond, making a gift-giving tale appealing.

Commentators have called such rumors “fan-fueled” but unverified, noting the duo’s preference for private milestones. The story’s traction recalls earlier myths, like Anne-Marie expecting a second child, which were debunked as Wilder is their only child.

What Really Happened?

There’s no evidence that Declan Donnelly was spotted shopping for baby toys in 2025 or preparing for a first meeting with Wilder. The rumor, sparked on social media, exaggerates Dec’s godfather role and their friendship but lacks backing from reliable sources. Dec likely met Wilder soon after his birth in 2024, and any gift would reflect their playful, sentimental exchanges, like a toy or keepsake. Ant and Dec, busy with TV projects, continue to balance work and family. The rumor captures their bond’s warmth but remains a fan-driven tale. As one user put it, “Dec with toys for Wilder? Sweet, but their real gift is their friendship.”