In a moment that has warmed the hearts of fans across the UK, television icon Ant McPartlin has shared the emotional story of welcoming his second child with wife Anne-Marie Corbett in early 2025. The I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! host, known for his infectious laugh and enduring partnership with Declan Donnelly, opened up about the profound joy of expanding his family, revealing a baby name that has left fans stunned by its beauty and significance. The announcement, filled with raw emotion, has sparked a wave of congratulations on platforms like X, cementing Ant’s place as a beloved figure whose personal milestones resonate deeply. What makes this moment so special, and why is the baby’s name causing such a stir?
Ant McPartlin, 49, has been a fixture on British screens for over three decades, rising from Byker Grove to become half of the nation’s favorite presenting duo, Ant & Dec. His personal life, however, has often made headlines, from his high-profile divorce from Lisa Armstrong in 2018 to his struggles with addiction. Since marrying Anne-Marie Corbett, his former personal assistant, in 2021, Ant has embraced a new chapter of stability and happiness. The couple welcomed their first child, son Wilder, in 2024, and the arrival of their second child—a daughter—marks another milestone in Ant’s journey of redemption and family life.
The announcement came via a heartfelt Instagram post, where Ant shared a black-and-white photo of himself cradling the newborn, Anne-Marie by his side. “We’re over the moon to welcome our little girl,” he wrote. “The moment we met her was pure magic, and her name is something truly special.” While Ant initially kept the name under wraps, sources close to the couple revealed it’s a unique, nature-inspired choice—rumored to be Willow or Wren—chosen to reflect Anne-Marie’s love of the outdoors and the couple’s hope for a serene future. The name’s unexpected yet meaningful flair has fans buzzing, with X posts praising its elegance and originality.
The emotional weight of the moment stems from Ant’s openness about his past. After years of battling alcohol and prescription drug addiction, he sought treatment in 2017, a turning point that reshaped his life. Anne-Marie, who stood by him through recovery, has been credited with bringing calm to his world. Their relationship, though initially controversial due to her prior role in his life, has proven enduring, with the couple’s devotion evident in their shared joy as parents. Ant’s candidness about fatherhood—describing it as “the best thing I’ve ever done”—has endeared him to fans, who see his second child as a symbol of his hard-won happiness.
The birth took place in a London hospital, with Ant reportedly “in tears” as he held his daughter for the first time. Anne-Marie, 47, is said to have chosen the name months earlier, inspired by a walk in the countryside where they envisioned their growing family. The couple’s home, a chic Wimbledon property, has been transformed into a cozy haven, with a nursery featuring soft greens and woodland motifs to echo the baby’s name. Wilder, now a toddler, is reportedly “obsessed” with his sister, adding a layer of sweetness to the family dynamic.
Fans have flooded social media with support, with X users sharing clips of Ant’s emotional TV moments, like his tearful Saturday Night Takeaway segments. “Ant deserves every bit of this joy,” one fan wrote, alongside a heart emoji. Another posted, “Willow McPartlin? That’s stunning!” The name’s rumored connection to nature has sparked speculation about its origins, with some linking it to Anne-Marie’s Northumberland roots or a nod to Ant’s Geordie heritage, where natural landmarks hold cultural weight. The couple’s decision to choose a non-traditional yet meaningful name aligns with a celebrity trend, seen in names like Luna (Chrissy Teigen) or River (Joaquin Phoenix).
The announcement’s timing is poignant. Ant & Dec’s 2025 slate includes new seasons of Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity, with Ant reportedly taking brief paternity leave to bond with his daughter. The duo’s production company, Mitre, is also developing projects, keeping Ant busy professionally. Yet, fatherhood has shifted his priorities, with insiders saying he’s “more grounded than ever.” Anne-Marie, a hands-on mum, balances parenting with her own career, and their partnership is described as a “team effort,” with Ant taking on nappy duties and bedtime stories.
The public’s reaction reflects Ant’s unique place in British culture. Unlike many celebrities, he’s seen as relatable, his Geordie charm and vulnerability bridging the gap between star and viewer. His journey from rock bottom to family man resonates, especially for those who’ve followed his career since the SMTV Live days. On X, fans have shared throwback photos of Ant and Dec, contrasting them with images of Ant as a dad, with captions like “From PJ and Duncan to Papa Ant!” The outpouring underscores his role as a national treasure, whose personal wins feel like collective triumphs.
For ITV, the news is a golden opportunity. Ant & Dec’s shows are ratings juggernauts, and Ant’s personal milestone adds a humanizing layer to his on-screen persona. Producers are reportedly planning a Saturday Night Takeaway segment where Ant shares a lighthearted update, possibly with Dec joking about his “dad duties.” The network has navigated Ant’s past controversies with care, and his current happiness reinforces his value as a star. Anne-Marie, though private, may join him for charity events, like their work with the Prince’s Trust, further endearing them to fans.
The announcement taps into broader trends in celebrity culture. Baby reveals are a social media staple, offering fans a glimpse into stars’ private lives. Ant’s post, with its intimate photo and heartfelt caption, follows this playbook but feels authentic, avoiding the polished sheen of some celebrity announcements. The nature-inspired name also reflects a growing preference for eco-conscious choices, seen in parenting trends like sustainable nurseries and organic baby products. Ant and Anne-Marie’s understated approach—eschewing lavish reveals for a simple post—has won praise for its sincerity.
As the couple settles into life with two children, challenges lie ahead. Ant’s demanding schedule, with filming often taking him abroad, will test his work-life balance. Yet, his commitment to family is unwavering, with plans to scale back non-essential projects. Anne-Marie’s role as a stabilizing force will be key, as will their support network, including Dec, who’s reportedly “over the moon” for his best mate. The couple’s Wimbledon home, already a hub for Wilder’s toys, is now a space for new memories, with Ant joking about “pink everywhere.”
The baby’s name, whether Willow, Wren, or another surprise, is a testament to the couple’s journey. It’s a symbol of hope, growth, and the quiet beauty of second chances. As fans celebrate, Ant’s emotional reveal reminds us why he remains a cherished figure—his heart, like his laugh, is impossible to resist. With a new daughter in his arms and Anne-Marie by his side, Ant McPartlin is living proof that love and family can light the way, no matter the past. This stunning name and tender moment are just the beginning of their next adventure.
