In the world of British television, few partnerships are as iconic or enduring as that of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, affectionately known as Ant & Dec. For over three decades, these Geordie lads have captivated audiences with their infectious chemistry, quick wit, and genuine camaraderie. From their early days as child actors to their reign as hosts of beloved shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, their bond has been the heartbeat of their success. But it’s their off-screen friendship—marked by loyalty, shared triumphs, and touching family moments—that truly resonates with fans. One such moment came in July 2022, when Dec welcomed his second child, a son named Jack Anthony Alphonsus, a name that paid tribute to both his best friend Ant and his late father, Alphonsus Donnelly. This heartfelt gesture underscores the depth of their connection, leaving fans emotional and inspired by a friendship that transcends fame.
From Byker Grove to Best Friends
The story of Ant and Dec begins in Newcastle upon Tyne, where two young boys crossed paths on the set of the BBC’s children’s drama Byker Grove in 1990. Dec, then 12, had landed the role of Duncan, while Ant, a year younger, played PJ. Their characters’ storylines brought them together, but it was their off-screen rapport that sparked a lifelong friendship. Growing up on nearby estates, they shared a working-class background and a love for Newcastle United, yet they hadn’t met until the show brought them together. Their early years on Byker Grove were filled with typical teenage antics, but their producer’s advice to “stay together” like a modern Morecambe and Wise planted a seed that would define their careers.
After leaving Byker Grove in 1993, Ant and Dec briefly ventured into music as PJ & Duncan, releasing pop hits like Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble. While their music career was short-lived, it strengthened their bond and showcased their ability to connect with audiences. By the late 1990s, they transitioned to television presenting, hosting ITV’s SMTV Live and later blockbuster shows like Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Their natural chemistry—Ant’s cheeky humor complementing Dec’s quick-witted charm—made them household names. Behind the scenes, their friendship grew through shared milestones, from buying their first homes to supporting each other through personal challenges.
A Bond Tested and Strengthened
Ant and Dec’s friendship hasn’t been without its trials. In 2018, Ant faced significant personal struggles, including a drink-driving incident that led to a 20-month driving ban and a hefty fine. He stepped back from television to focus on recovery, leaving Dec to host shows like Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent solo. For Dec, presenting without his partner of nearly 30 years was daunting, but he stood by Ant, emphasizing their unbreakable bond. When Ant returned to work in 2019, their reunion on I’m a Celebrity was a testament to their resilience, with fans celebrating their emotional comeback.
Their loyalty extends beyond professional challenges. Ant was Dec’s best man at his 2015 wedding to Ali Astall, and Dec returned the favor at both of Ant’s weddings—first to Lisa Armstrong in 2006 and later to Anne-Marie Corbett in 2021. At Ant’s second wedding, Dec’s speech described Ant as “the best friend a man could have,” a moment that moved guests to tears. These gestures reflect a friendship built on mutual support, where personal milestones are shared as deeply as professional ones.
Family Milestones and Emotional Tributes
In recent years, Ant and Dec have embraced fatherhood, adding new layers to their friendship. Dec and Ali welcomed their first child, daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne, in September 2018. The name Anne was a nod to Dec’s mother, Anne Donnelly, with whom he shares a close bond. Ant, who was navigating his own challenges at the time, was among the first to visit Isla, reportedly “besotted” with his best friend’s newborn. His heartfelt social media post welcoming Isla as “Uncle Ant” captured the joy of the moment.
In July 2022, Dec and Ali welcomed their second child, a son named Jack Anthony Alphonsus. The name was deeply significant: Anthony honored Ant, Dec’s lifelong friend, while Alphonsus paid tribute to Dec’s father, who passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer. The announcement came shortly after the tragic loss of Dec’s brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest who died at 55, making Jack’s arrival a bittersweet “ray of light” for the family. Dec’s choice to honor Ant in his son’s name moved fans, who saw it as a reflection of their profound connection. For Dec, a private man who rarely shares details of his family, the public gesture spoke volumes about the role Ant plays in his life.
Ant, too, has embraced fatherhood. In May 2024, he and Anne-Marie welcomed their son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Dec, now a father of two, reportedly played a significant role in Ant’s journey to parenthood, with sources suggesting Ant chose Dec as Wilder’s godfather. This reciprocal honor—Dec naming his son after Ant, and Ant entrusting Dec with a special role in his son’s life—highlights the symmetry of their bond. Both men have spoken about how fatherhood has transformed them, with Dec describing the overwhelming love he felt for Isla and now Jack, and Ant expressing joy at becoming a father and stepfather to Anne-Marie’s daughters, Daisy and Poppy.
The Power of Their Friendship
What makes Ant and Dec’s story so compelling is the authenticity of their friendship. In an industry often marked by rivalry, their partnership is a rare example of mutual respect and unwavering support. They’ve navigated fame, personal struggles, and life-changing moments together, emerging stronger each time. Their production company, Mitre Television, and their charitable efforts, such as supporting the Sunshine Fund and ChildLine, reflect their shared values and commitment to giving back.
Fans have been particularly touched by the way Ant and Dec celebrate each other’s families. Dec’s decision to name Jack after Ant wasn’t just a tribute to their friendship but a recognition of Ant’s presence as a constant in his life. Similarly, Ant’s choice of Dec as a key figure in Wilder’s life underscores the trust they share. These gestures resonate because they reveal the human side of two men who, despite their celebrity status, remain grounded in their roots and relationships.
Why This Story Matters
The story of Ant and Dec is more than a tale of television success; it’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and family. In naming his son Jack Anthony Alphonsus, Dec honored not only his late father but also the friend who has been by his side through every chapter of his life. For fans, this moment is a reminder of the power of connection in an often unpredictable world. Ant and Dec’s ability to balance their public personas with private acts of loyalty and love makes them relatable and inspiring.
As they continue to host Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity, Ant and Dec show no signs of slowing down. Their friendship, now spanning over 30 years, remains the foundation of their appeal. Whether they’re cracking jokes on screen or sharing quiet moments as fathers and friends, Ant and Dec remind us that the strongest bonds are built on trust, shared history, and heartfelt tributes like the one that named a little boy Jack Anthony Alphonsus.
