In a heartwarming twist that has left fans buzzing with excitement, Ant McPartlin, the beloved half of the iconic presenting duo Ant & Dec, has welcomed his first child into the world. The arrival of little Wilder Patrick McPartlin on May 14, 2024, at 8:54 a.m., marked a joyous milestone for the 49-year-old TV star and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. Yet, the real story that has captured the imagination of viewers isn’t just the birth itself—it’s the unexpected moment when Ant’s longtime partner-in-crime, Declan Donnelly, became the first to cradle the newborn, delivering a reaction so emotional and “unbelievable” that it’s become the talk of the town. As the entertainment world celebrates this new chapter, the bond between Ant and Dec shines brighter than ever, blending personal joy with their legendary on-screen chemistry.

The announcement came via a touching black-and-white Instagram post from Ant, showing him tenderly holding his newborn son. The caption read, “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, shared with his 3.5 million followers, was met with an outpouring of love, with fans and celebrities alike flooding the comments with congratulations. Anne-Marie, who married Ant in 2021, has two daughters from a previous relationship, and their excitement as new big sisters has added to the family’s delight. For Ant, this moment is the culmination of a long-held dream, especially after years of public struggles, including his well-documented battles with addiction and the emotional toll of his 2018 divorce from Lisa Armstrong.

But the real surprise came in the days following the birth, when insiders revealed that it was Declan Donnelly—Ant’s best friend and co-host of over three decades—who was the first to hold Wilder. According to sources close to the pair, Dec rushed to the hospital shortly after the birth, eager to meet his best mate’s new son. What followed was a moment that left everyone in the room stunned. “Dec took one look at Wilder and just lost it,” a friend recounted. “He was laughing and crying at the same time, saying things like, ‘He’s got Ant’s nose already!’ It was unbelievable—pure joy mixed with this overwhelming emotion. Ant was laughing too, saying, ‘You’re worse than me, mate!’” The scene, described as both hilarious and touching, underscored the deep bond between the two men, who have been inseparable since their teenage years on Byker Grove.

Dec’s reaction is hardly surprising given his own journey into fatherhood. The 49-year-old, married to Ali Astall since 2015, is already a proud dad to daughter Isla, 6, and son Jack, 2. His experience as a father seemed to amplify his excitement for Ant’s new role, with some suggesting Dec saw Wilder as an extension of their shared family. “Dec’s been like an uncle to Ant’s stepdaughters for years,” the source added. “Holding Wilder was like a full-circle moment for him.” This sentiment was echoed in Dec’s own Instagram response, where he posted a photo of the duo with a simple, “Proudest uncle moment. Welcome, Wilder! @antanddec.” The post racked up thousands of likes, with fans commenting on the bromance that has defined their careers.

The timing of Wilder’s arrival couldn’t be more poignant. Just months earlier, Ant and Dec had announced they were stepping back from their long-running show Saturday Night Takeaway after its 20th series in 2024, citing a desire to focus on family. For Ant, becoming a father has been a transformative experience, especially after years of personal challenges. His addiction struggles, which peaked after a 2015 knee injury, led to a 2018 drink-driving conviction and the end of his 11-year marriage to Lisa. The custody battle over their beloved dog, Hurley, further strained their relationship, though recent olive branches—like Lisa’s praise for Ant and Dec’s work—suggest healing. Wilder’s birth, with Anne-Marie’s support, represents a fresh start, and Dec’s enthusiastic reaction has only deepened the narrative of redemption.

Behind the scenes, the birth has brought a new dynamic to Ant and Dec’s partnership. As they prepare for the 2025 season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, which began filming in November 2024, Ant’s transition to fatherhood has been a hot topic. Reports from Australia indicate he’s been juggling daddy duties with work, with Anne-Marie and Wilder joining him on the Gold Coast for his 49th birthday celebration on November 18, 2024. Photos of Ant cradling Wilder on the beach, tanned and relaxed, have melted hearts, while Dec’s own family—Isla and Jack—remained in the UK with Ali. Yet, it’s Dec’s hospital moment that fans can’t stop talking about, with social media abuzz under hashtags like #WilderWelcome and #AntAndDecFamily.

The public’s fascination with this story isn’t just about the baby—it’s about the enduring friendship that has made Ant and Dec a cultural institution. From their SM:TV Live days to hosting Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity, their on-screen synergy has always hinted at an off-screen closeness. Dec’s “unbelievable” reaction to holding Wilder has fueled speculation about a godparent role, though neither has confirmed it. “Dec’s been there for Ant through thick and thin,” a production insider noted. “This baby is as much a part of his world as Ant’s.” The pair’s recent double date with their wives in London’s West End in April 2025, ahead of the I’m A Celebrity finale, further showcased their blended family vibe, with Dec’s kids and Ant’s stepdaughters adding to the mix.

Yet, not all reactions have been purely celebratory. Some online commentators have questioned the logistics of Ant’s new fatherhood at 49, with Anne-Marie at 46, though IVF—rumored to have been explored during his first marriage—offers a plausible explanation. Others have speculated about Lisa’s feelings, given her own pregnancy announcement in June 2025, naming her son Anthony James after Ant. The coincidence has sparked debates, but Ant’s focus remains on Wilder, with Dec as his unwavering support. “He’s over the moon to have Dec there,” the insider said. “It’s like they’re raising this kid together in spirit.”

The entertainment industry has taken note, with figures like Simon Cowell and Shirley Ballas sending well wishes, reflecting Ant and Dec’s wide-reaching influence. Fans have reminisced about their early days, with clips of Dec teasing Ant about fatherhood on Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals in May 2024 resurfacing. “Dec’s always been the joker, but that hospital moment showed his heart,” one fan tweeted. The duo’s return to I’m A Celebrity on December 1, 2024, amid 70 Ofcom complaints over a Bible joke, only heightened the contrast between their professional antics and personal milestones.

As Ant navigates fatherhood, with Dec by his side—both literally and figuratively—the story of Wilder’s birth is more than a celebrity headline. It’s a testament to friendship, resilience, and the joy of new beginnings. Whether Dec’s role as the first to hold Wilder leads to an official godparent title or remains a cherished memory, it’s clear this moment has cemented their bond. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the laughter and chaos of their TV shows lies a friendship that endures, now enriched by the pitter-patter of tiny feet. As Wilder grows, with Uncle Dec’s “unbelievable” reaction as his first welcome, the Ant & Dec legacy promises to evolve, blending family and fame in the most heartwarming way.