In the bustling world of British television, few friendships shine as brightly as that of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the beloved duo known simply as Ant and Dec. For over three decades, these Geordie lads have entertained millions with their infectious chemistry, quick wit, and genuine camaraderie. But beyond the glitz of shows like Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, their personal lives have recently taken center stage, captivating fans with a heartwarming moment: the meeting of Declan Donnelly’s daughter and Ant McPartlin’s newborn baby. This touching encounter, filled with love and laughter, marks a new chapter in their lifelong friendship, one that intertwines their growing families in the sweetest way.
The story begins in the quiet, leafy suburbs of West London, where Declan Donnelly, now 49, has built a cozy family life with his wife, Ali Astall. The couple, married since 2015, are proud parents to two children: six-year-old Isla Elizabeth Anne and two-year-old Jack Anthony Alphonsus. Their Chiswick home, a £7 million property Dec has lived in for nearly two decades, is a haven of warmth and stability, a far cry from the frenetic energy of their on-screen antics. Meanwhile, Ant McPartlin, also 49, has embarked on a new journey of fatherhood. In early 2024, Ant and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, welcomed their first child together, a baby whose arrival brought immense joy to the presenter, who had long dreamed of becoming a father.
The meeting of Declan’s daughter, Isla, and Ant’s newborn was a moment fans had been eagerly anticipating. Ant and Dec’s friendship, forged on the set of Byker Grove in 1990, has always extended beyond the professional. They’ve been each other’s best man, shared countless holidays, and even lived just three doors apart in Chiswick at one point. So, it was only natural that their families would come together to celebrate this milestone. The encounter, which took place shortly after Ant’s baby was born, was a private affair, but those close to the duo describe it as a scene straight out of a family sitcom—filled with giggles, gentle coos, and a few happy tears.
A sunny afternoon in a cozy London living room, perhaps at Ant’s £6 million Wimbledon home, where he now resides with Anne-Marie. Isla, with her boundless curiosity and big-sister energy, was reportedly enchanted by the tiny bundle in Ant’s arms. At six years old, Isla is no stranger to babies, having doted on her younger brother, Jack, since his arrival in 2022. Sources say she approached Ant’s newborn with the same tenderness, her eyes wide with wonder as she gently touched the baby’s tiny hand. For Ant, who has embraced his role as “Uncle Ant” to Dec’s children with enthusiasm, the moment was deeply emotional. Dec, ever the proud dad, beamed as he watched his daughter connect with his best friend’s child, a symbol of their enduring bond now passed to the next generation.
This wasn’t the first time Ant and Dec’s families have intertwined. When Isla was born in September 2018, Ant was among the first to visit the hospital, reportedly “besotted” with the newborn. He took to their joint Twitter account to share his excitement, calling himself “Uncle Ant” and expressing his eagerness for cuddles. Similarly, when Jack arrived in July 2022, fans noticed a touching nod in his middle name, Anthony, a tribute to Ant. These gestures underscore the depth of their friendship, one that has weathered personal challenges, professional triumphs, and now, the joys of parenthood.
Ant’s journey to fatherhood has been particularly poignant. After years of longing for a child, his marriage to Anne-Marie, whom he wed in 2021, brought new hope. Anne-Marie, a former personal assistant turned charity ambassador, already has two daughters from a previous marriage, and Ant has spoken warmly about his role as a stepfather. The arrival of his own child in 2024 was a dream come true, and Dec was quick to celebrate the news, reportedly hosting a small gathering to toast the new addition. The meeting of Isla and Ant’s baby was a highlight of these celebrations, a moment where their families’ futures seemed to converge.
For fans, this story resonates because it humanizes two of Britain’s biggest stars. Ant and Dec are more than just presenters; they’re cultural icons who’ve grown up alongside their audience. From their pop-star days as PJ and Duncan to their current reign as TV royalty, they’ve shared their highs and lows with remarkable openness. In recent years, their relationship has evolved as they’ve prioritized family life. Dec has spoken candidly about how fatherhood has changed him, describing Isla and Jack as his greatest joys. Ant, too, has expressed a desire to slow down, pausing their long-running show Saturday Night Takeaway in 2024 to focus on family.
The meeting of their children is a reminder of how time has transformed their once-inseparable bond. Where they once spent every waking moment together—filming, golfing, or grabbing dinner—they now carve out time for school runs and bedtime stories. Yet, their friendship remains unshakable. They still meet for the occasional game of golf or a night out with their wives, as seen during a double date to London’s West End in April 2025. These moments, though less frequent, are cherished, and the inclusion of their children only deepens their connection.
The setting for this heartwarming encounter likely reflected the duo’s down-to-earth nature. Despite their wealth and fame, both Ant and Dec favor comfort over ostentation. Dec’s Chiswick home, with its sprawling garden and family-friendly layout, is designed for moments like these—where kids can play, and adults can relax. Ant’s Wimbledon property, a modern masterpiece with plenty of space for entertaining, offers a similar vibe. It’s easy to imagine Isla chasing Jack around while Ant and Dec swap parenting tips, their wives laughing over a cup of tea. The baby, nestled in a soft blanket, would have been the star of the show, drawing everyone together in a shared moment of awe.
This story also highlights the role of their wives, Ali and Anne-Marie, who have become integral to the Ant and Dec extended family. Ali, Dec’s former manager, has been a steady presence, balancing her career with motherhood. Anne-Marie, known for her quiet strength, has brought stability to Ant’s life after a tumultuous period. Together, the four form a tight-knit unit, often spotted at charity events or casual outings. Their support for each other’s families is evident, from Ali’s warm welcome of Ant’s stepdaughters to Anne-Marie’s excitement over Dec’s children.
As news of this meeting spread, fans took to social media to share their delight. The image of Isla meeting Ant’s baby sparked an outpouring of affection, with many calling it a “full-circle moment” for the duo. For those who’ve followed Ant and Dec since their Byker Grove days, it’s a reminder of how far they’ve come—not just as entertainers, but as friends, husbands, and now fathers. The fact that their children are now forming their own bonds feels like a gift to their loyal audience, who’ve invested in their story for decades.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that family will continue to shape Ant and Dec’s lives. While they remain committed to their careers, with Britain’s Got Talent and other projects on the horizon, their priorities have shifted. Ant has spoken about wanting to be a hands-on dad, while Dec relishes the chaos of raising two young kids. Their friendship, though less intense than in their 20s, is stronger for it, grounded in shared values and mutual respect. The meeting of Isla and Ant’s baby is just the beginning—a promise of more playdates, shared holidays, and perhaps even their kids cheering them on from the BGT audience one day.
In a world often filled with fleeting celebrity stories, this moment stands out for its authenticity. It’s a testament to Ant and Dec’s enduring appeal, not just as entertainers, but as real people navigating the universal joys and challenges of family life. For Isla, it was a chance to meet a new friend; for Ant and Dec, it was a milestone in a friendship that’s defined their lives. And for fans, it’s a reason to smile, knowing that the Ant and Dec story—one of laughter, loyalty, and love—is far from over.
