Ant McPartlin’s Baby Wilder and Declan Donnelly’s Daughter Isla Steal the Show with Their Heartwarming First TV Meeting
The world of television is no stranger to memorable moments, but few can rival the pure, unscripted joy that unfolded recently when Ant McPartlin’s newborn son, Wilder, and Declan Donnelly’s six-year-old daughter, Isla, met for the first time on the set of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! This adorable encounter, captured during a behind-the-scenes segment, has sent fans into a frenzy, with social media buzzing about the heart-melting interaction between the two children of Britain’s most beloved presenting duo. The moment was a rare glimpse into the personal lives of Ant and Dec, who have been entertaining audiences for decades with their infectious chemistry and humor. Here’s why this charming meeting has captured hearts everywhere and what it reveals about the duo’s evolving roles as devoted fathers.
A Special Moment in the Jungle
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 49, have been fixtures on British television since their early days as actors on Byker Grove. Over the years, they’ve hosted iconic shows like Britain’s Got Talent, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and, of course, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. The latter, filmed annually in Australia, has become a staple of their careers, blending outrageous challenges with their signature banter. In recent years, however, the duo has increasingly brought their families along for the ride, offering fans a peek into their lives off-screen.
The heartwarming moment occurred during a lighthearted behind-the-scenes segment in late 2024, as the I’m A Celebrity production wrapped another successful season. Declan’s daughter, Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly, born in September 2018, had joined her father on set, a tradition that has become more common as Dec balances his high-profile career with fatherhood. Meanwhile, Ant, who welcomed his first child, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, with wife Anne-Marie Corbett in May 2024, brought his infant son along, accompanied by Anne-Marie and his stepdaughters, Daisy and Poppy.
As the cameras rolled for an informal chat on the I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked, Isla, full of six-year-old energy, was her usual lively self, stealing the spotlight with her playful antics. At one point, she interrupted Ant, who was holding a piece of toast for a comedic bit, by shouting “Toast!”—prompting a warm, “Yes, Isla, toast,” from her “Uncle Ant.” The crew and audience chuckled, but the real magic happened when Isla caught sight of baby Wilder, cradled in Anne-Marie’s arms nearby.
Isla, with the unfiltered curiosity of a child, approached Wilder, her eyes wide with excitement. “Is that your baby, Uncle Ant?” she reportedly asked, her voice brimming with wonder. Ant, beaming with pride, introduced his son, saying, “This is Wilder, Isla. He’s come to see the jungle!” Isla, clearly smitten, giggled and waved at the baby, who responded with a gummy smile that sent the crew into a collective “aww.” Dec, standing nearby, couldn’t resist joining in, joking, “Look at that, Isla’s already bossing him around like she does us!” The exchange was brief but electric, a perfect blend of innocence and the duo’s trademark humor.
The Context of Family and Fatherhood
This wasn’t the first time Isla has charmed audiences on the I’m A Celebrity set. In November 2024, she made headlines for her behind-the-scenes visit, where she watched her father and Ant host their after-show. Her presence highlighted Dec’s commitment to integrating his family into his work, especially as he and his wife, Ali Astall, raise Isla and their two-year-old son, Jack. Ant, too, has embraced fatherhood with open arms, often sharing how Wilder’s arrival has transformed his life. In a rare comment at the National Television Awards in September 2024, Ant described the experience as “wonderful,” admitting to sleepless nights but endless joy.
The public’s fascination with this moment stems from the contrast between Ant and Dec’s public personas and their private lives. For years, fans have known them as the cheeky, inseparable duo who never fail to make them laugh. Seeing them as doting fathers—Ant cradling his newborn, Dec guiding his daughter through the chaos of a TV set—adds a new layer to their appeal. It’s a reminder that even TV icons are navigating the universal joys and challenges of parenthood.
Why This Moment Resonates
The interaction between Isla and Wilder struck a chord for several reasons. First, it was a rare, unscripted glimpse into the personal lives of two stars who, despite their fame, keep their families relatively private. Ant, in particular, has been guarded about sharing details of Wilder, making his decision to bring his son on set all the more special. Isla’s enthusiastic reaction humanized the moment, reminding viewers of the simple wonder children bring to new experiences.
Second, the meeting symbolized the next generation of the Ant and Dec legacy. Fans have long joked about whether the duo’s children might one day follow in their footsteps, and seeing Isla and Wilder together sparked playful speculation about a future presenting duo. Dec’s quip about Isla “bossing” Wilder around only fueled the fun, with social media users tweeting things like, “Isla and Wilder for I’m A Celeb 2045!” and “Move over, Ant and Dec, the kids are taking over!”
Finally, the moment resonated because it captured the deep bond between Ant and Dec themselves. Their friendship, forged over three decades, has weathered personal and professional highs and lows. Watching Isla call Ant “Uncle” and seeing Ant’s gentle response underscored the family-like connection that extends beyond the screen. It’s a bond that fans cherish, and this interaction felt like a love letter to their shared history.
The Bigger Picture
The I’m A Celebrity set has always been a place of surprises, from campmate meltdowns to unexpected friendships. But this year, the real stars were the youngest visitors. Isla’s confidence and Wilder’s adorable presence highlighted how Ant and Dec are redefining their roles—not just as entertainers, but as fathers bringing their families into their world. The duo’s decision to take a break from Saturday Night Takeaway in 2024 to focus on family time further underscores this shift, showing their commitment to balancing their careers with their personal lives.
The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding social media with heart emojis and comments about how “wholesome” the moment was. For many, it was a reminder of the power of small, genuine interactions in a world often dominated by polished performances. The fact that this happened on the I’m A Celebrity set, a place synonymous with chaos and comedy, only made it more endearing.
Looking Ahead
As Ant and Dec continue their reign as TV royalty, moments like these will likely become more common. Both have spoken about the importance of family, with Dec joking about his “very bad” parenting advice to Ant, like “give the baby to somebody else!” Yet, their actions speak louder than their jests. By bringing Isla and Wilder into their professional world, they’re creating memories that blend their personal and public lives in a way that feels authentic.
For now, fans are content to replay the clip of Isla and Wilder’s meeting, savoring the pure joy it brought. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Ant and Dec—not just as entertainers, but as real people navigating the same milestones as their audience. Whether it’s hosting a jungle trial or introducing their kids to the world, they do it with heart, humor, and an unmistakable spark that keeps viewers coming back.
Conclusion
The first TV meeting of Wilder McPartlin and Isla Donnelly was more than just a cute moment—it was a celebration of family, friendship, and the next chapter for two of Britain’s most cherished stars. As Ant and Dec continue to evolve, both on and off the screen, their fans are along for the ride, ready to cheer for every milestone, big or small. This heartwarming encounter has left an indelible mark, proving that sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest impact.
