In the soft glow of a late spring evening in London, Anthony McPartlin, one half of Britain’s beloved TV presenting duo Ant and Dec, hosted a private wedding anniversary celebration that left guests speechless. The intimate gathering, held to mark his fourth year of marriage to Anne-Marie Corbett, was a masterclass in understated elegance—until an unexpected announcement turned the night into a moment of pure joy. As the couple stood hand in hand, surrounded by their closest friends and family, they shared news that sent ripples of excitement through the room: their family was growing, and their newborn son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born just weeks earlier, was only the beginning of their journey as parents.
The setting was a charming countryside estate just outside London, a venue chosen for its seclusion and rustic beauty. The couple, known for their desire to keep personal milestones away from the public eye, had meticulously planned an evening that felt both luxurious and heartfelt. Guests arrived under a canopy of fairy lights, greeted by the soft hum of live acoustic music and the scent of blooming roses. The dress code was smart-casual, reflecting Ant’s laid-back charm, with Anne-Marie stunning in a flowing ivory dress that nodded to her wedding day without stealing the spotlight from the occasion.
Ant, at 49, radiated a quiet confidence as he mingled with guests. His trademark grin, familiar to millions from shows like Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, was ever-present, but those close to him noticed a new depth to his happiness. The past few years had been transformative for the Geordie star. After navigating personal challenges, including a high-profile divorce from his first wife, Lisa Armstrong, and a public battle with addiction, Ant found solace and strength in his relationship with Anne-Marie, whom he married in August 2021 at St Michael’s Church in Heckfield, Hampshire. Their union marked a turning point, and the arrival of Wilder on May 14, 2024, cemented their bond.
The anniversary celebration was a testament to their commitment to privacy. Unlike the star-studded affairs often associated with celebrity milestones, this event was deliberately small, with fewer than 50 guests. Among them were Declan Donnelly, Ant’s lifelong friend and co-star, alongside his wife, Ali Astall, and their two children. Other attendees included close family members, a handful of trusted friends from the entertainment industry, and Anne-Marie’s two daughters from her previous marriage, who have become an integral part of Ant’s life. The absence of cameras and smartphones—guests were politely asked to leave devices at the door—created an atmosphere of genuine connection, a rare luxury in the age of social media.
The evening began with a cocktail hour on the estate’s manicured lawn, where guests sipped on bespoke drinks inspired by the couple’s love story. A “Geordie Sunset,” a nod to Ant’s Newcastle roots, blended local gin with elderflower and citrus, while the “Corbett Charm” featured prosecco and wild berries, reflecting Anne-Marie’s warm and vibrant personality. Laughter filled the air as stories of Ant and Anne-Marie’s early days together were shared—tales of quiet dates in London pubs and spontaneous road trips that solidified their bond.
Dinner was served in a beautifully decorated marquee, its tables adorned with white linens, candles, and wildflower centerpieces. The menu was a celebration of British comfort food, a reflection of the couple’s down-to-earth tastes. Starters included a creamy leek and potato soup, followed by a main course of slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, paired with seasonal vegetables. Dessert, a highlight for many, was a towering lemon and elderflower cake, reminiscent of the couple’s wedding cake, served alongside warm chocolate fondants. Each course was accompanied by heartfelt toasts, with Dec delivering a particularly moving speech about Ant’s resilience and the joy Anne-Marie had brought into his life.
As the night progressed, the mood shifted from nostalgic to electric. After dinner, Ant and Anne-Marie took to the center of the marquee, their hands intertwined. The room fell silent, sensing something momentous was about to unfold. Ant, his voice steady but laced with emotion, began by thanking everyone for being part of their journey. He spoke of the challenges they’d overcome together, from public scrutiny to personal growth, and how Anne-Marie had been his anchor. Then, with a glance at his wife, he revealed the news that left jaws dropping: not only were they reveling in the joy of welcoming Wilder, but they were already planning to expand their family further. While they didn’t share specifics—whether through adoption, surrogacy, or another pregnancy—the announcement hinted at a second child in the near future, a dream they’d quietly nurtured for years.
Gasps and cheers erupted, with Dec leading the applause and jokingly shouting, “You’re not wasting any time, mate!” Anne-Marie, blushing but beaming, added that Wilder had brought them indescribable happiness, and they couldn’t wait to give him a sibling to share in their adventures. The couple’s decision to share such personal news in such an intimate setting underscored their authenticity—a far cry from the tabloid headlines that often define celebrity lives. Guests, many of whom were caught off guard, described the moment as “pure magic,” a testament to Ant and Anne-Marie’s ability to surprise even those who know them best.
The celebration continued late into the night, with a dance floor that saw everyone from Ant’s elderly relatives to Anne-Marie’s teenage daughters cutting loose to a playlist that blended classic hits with modern pop. Ant and Anne-Marie shared a slow dance to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect, a song they’d chosen for their wedding, while guests swayed around them, some wiping away tears of joy. A firepit outside the marquee became a gathering spot for late-night chats, with stories of Ant’s early days on Byker Grove mingling with Anne-Marie’s anecdotes about her career as a personal assistant before she stepped into the spotlight.
For Ant, the evening was more than an anniversary—it was a milestone in a life redefined by love and purpose. His journey from a troubled period in the late 2010s, marked by a DUI incident and a stint in rehab, to this moment of unbridled happiness has been nothing short of remarkable. Fatherhood, in particular, has transformed him. Those close to him say he’s never been more present, whether he’s changing nappies at 3 a.m. or FaceTiming Dec to gush about Wilder’s latest milestone. Anne-Marie, too, has embraced her new role with grace, balancing motherhood with her responsibilities as a stepmother and her work with charities close to the couple’s heart.
The announcement of their plans for another child also sparked curiosity about their future. Would they remain in their Chiswick home, a cozy sanctuary where they’ve built their family? Or might they consider a move to the countryside, a dream Ant has mentioned in passing? For now, the couple seems content to savor the present, with Ant returning to work on projects like the upcoming season of Britain’s Got Talent and Anne-Marie focusing on their growing family.
As the night drew to a close, guests left with gift bags containing personalized candles and a handwritten note from Ant and Anne-Marie, thanking them for their love and support. The note ended with a playful hint: “Here’s to more surprises and bigger adventures!” For those lucky enough to attend, the evening was a reminder of the couple’s ability to blend humility with grandeur, creating memories that will linger long after the fairy lights dimmed.
Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett’s private anniversary celebration was a night of love, laughter, and a bombshell announcement that reaffirmed their commitment to each other and their growing family. In a world where celebrity lives are often laid bare, their ability to keep such joyful news under wraps until the perfect moment speaks volumes about their values. As they step into this new chapter, with Wilder by their side and another child on the horizon, one thing is clear: Ant and Anne-Marie are writing a love story that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring. And for those who were there to witness it, the memory of that magical night will shine brightly for years to come.
