Ant McPartlin is a firm TV favourite but the showbiz star has yet to have his own children – and wanting a baby is something he has been open about.
Reports recently claimed that Ant and wife Anne-Marie’s baby speculation has seemingly been confirmed.
Shooting to fame in the 1990s, alongside best pal Declan Donnelly, Ant has become one of the most successful TV presenters. From fronting I’m A Celeb to Britain’s Got Talent, the Geordie lads have definitely kept busy over the years.
However, despite all the glitz and glam, Ant has had a rocky journey in the public eye.
Ant McPartlin and ex-wife struggled to conceive
Ant married first wife Lisa Armstrong back in 2006. The pair were married for 12 years before splitting in 2018. During their relationship, Ant had been candid about how they faced some challenges trying to conceive.
In 2013, he spoke out about rumours that he was waiting for pal Dec to settle down before having children of his own.
A then-38-year-old Ant said: “There’s a rumour that we do everything together and I’m holding off having kids till Dec finds himself Mrs Right.”
He added: “I love that idea, but I’m afraid it’s not true. Lisa and I would love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older.”
Ant McPartlin was ‘really trying’ to have a baby with ex-wife
Ant also revealed that timing hadn’t always been great when it came to having children – noting it stood in the way. He said: “We’ve wanted children for a while, but we’re both busy.
“We’re on a break now, the first proper one for 15 years,” he went on. “So Lisa and I are trying for a baby… well, we’ve been trying for a little while so fingers crossed.”
But in 2018, Ant confirmed the end of his marriage to Lisa. The pair eventually divorced in April 2020. Lisa reportedly got a £31m settlement as part of the divorce, and the two share custody of their Labrador Hurley.
Dec’s new baby ‘sparked emotions’
In 2018, Dec welcomed his first child with Ali Astall, daughter Isla. And while Ant was thrilled over his pal becoming a dad – it was no doubted tainted with some sadness.
At the time, Ant has split from his wife and was facing charges for drink-driving. He was banned from driving for 20 months and given an £86,000 fine after pleading guilty.
And a TV insider at the time said: “Ant is thrilled for Dec and Ali but the news sparked other emotions because he has always wanted children. There is some heartache and it is a bittersweet moment.”
Ant McPartlin’s two step daughters
After a tough 2018, things appeared to go up for Ant as in 2021 he tied the knot to Anne-Marie Corbett in 2021 after the pair met when she was his personal assistant.
Ant is now a stepdad to Anne-Marie’s two teenage daughters. He even reportedly paid tribute to the girls in his speech at his wedding reception and, he admitted, the girls call him “Dad”. Ant is said to have told guests: “I’m grateful they call me Dad.”
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ant reflected on his relationship with his wife’s children. He said: “I’ve got two step-daughters, 13 and 15 and they are more socially aware at that age than I was in my mid-20s. Than I still am.”
Baby speculation
In recent weeks, speculation has grown that Ant is finally about to become a dad for the first time.
It’s been reported that his wife Anne-Marie is pregnant, with speculation starting when the pair headed off on a New Year break. Anne-Marie appeared to be sporting a bump in the pictures.
Then, she attended the more recent Britain’s Got Talent auditions with Ant. It’s now been reported that Ant and Anne-Marie have shared their happy news with friends. And, it’s said, the couple are “absolutely delighted” to be welcoming their first baby together.
A source allegedly told The Sun: “This is the news everyone wanted. Ant and Anne- Marie are beyond delighted. It’s no secret that Ant has always wanted children, but that it may never happen for him was something he had, sadly, come to terms with.
“When they found out last year, they were absolutely delighted, but obviously kept the news quiet for as long as possible. To be having a child two years short of his 50th birthday, with the love of his life, is the stuff of dreams for Ant.”
The source then added: “He’s already a wonderful, doting father to Anne-Marie’s kids. Together they’re going to be brilliant parents to this latest addition to the family.”
ED! has contacted Ant’s reps for comment.
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