Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the iconic Geordie duo behind I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Saturday Night Takeaway, have shared a friendship spanning over three decades, built on laughter, loyalty, and a knack for entertaining millions. While their on-screen chemistry is legendary, their off-screen bond is equally heartwarming, often involving shared holidays, family gatherings, and, until recently, neighboring homes in London’s Chiswick. In 2019, Ant made a significant move, trading his Chiswick residence for a lavish £6 million mansion in Wimbledon Village, where he now lives with his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, and her two daughters, Daisy and Poppy, alongside their newborn son, Wilder. This stunning seven-bedroom home, with its vibrant and meticulously designed living room, has captured fans’ attention, especially after glimpses revealed during the 2020 lockdown broadcasts of Saturday Night Takeaway. Described as the perfect setting for double dates with Dec and his wife, Ali Astall, the space reflects Ant’s colorful personality and offers a glimpse into the duo’s enduring friendship. Here’s why this luxurious living room is making headlines and stealing hearts.

A New Chapter in Wimbledon Village

Ant’s relocation to Wimbledon marked a pivotal moment, both personally and for his friendship with Dec. For two decades, the pair lived just doors apart in Chiswick, with Dec’s £7 million mansion a mere 150 feet from Ant’s former home. This proximity allowed for spontaneous visits, shared takeaways, and watching Newcastle United matches together. However, following Ant’s 2018 divorce from Lisa Armstrong, he handed over their five-bedroom Chiswick home as part of a £31 million settlement and moved six miles away to Wimbledon, ending an era of being neighbors with Dec. The new £6 million mansion, purchased in 2018 and renovated over a year, became Ant’s fresh start with Anne-Marie, whom he married in 2021. Despite the distance, the move hasn’t dimmed the duo’s closeness, with Ant’s home now serving as a welcoming hub for Dec, Ali, and their children, Isla and Jack.

The Wimbledon mansion, nestled in the upscale village known for its leafy streets and proximity to Wimbledon Common, boasts seven bedrooms, a large media room, and modern amenities like an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Planning permissions granted in 2022 also allow for a swimming pool in the garden, adding to its luxurious appeal. But it’s the living room, revealed to fans during a 2020 Saturday Night Takeaway broadcast, that has sparked widespread admiration for its bold design and suitability for hosting the Donnellys.

Inside the Vibrant Living Room

Ant’s living room is a masterclass in bold yet inviting design, blending modern elegance with personal touches. Unlike Dec’s Chiswick home, which favors a neutral palette of creams, whites, and blacks, Ant’s space embraces a daring color-clash theme. The room features eggshell-blue paneled walls that create a serene backdrop, contrasted by a plush navy L-shaped sofa adorned with mustard-yellow cushions and throws. This vibrant combination reflects Ant’s lively personality and adds warmth to the spacious room. Built-in shelving units, brimming with awards from their glittering career—including National Television Awards and BAFTAs—serve as a testament to Ant and Dec’s success while adding a personal touch.

During the 2020 lockdown, when Ant and Dec presented Saturday Night Takeaway from their respective homes, fans got a rare glimpse of this space. Ant broadcast from his sofa, the colorful decor standing out against the more muted tones of Dec’s home office, which featured Newcastle United memorabilia. The living room’s layout, with its central sofa and ample seating, is ideal for entertaining, making it a perfect spot for double dates. Sources close to Ant have noted that the space is “perfect for hosting Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall,” envisioning evenings filled with laughter, takeaways, or watching sports—activities that define the duo’s friendship. The room’s proximity to the open-plan kitchen and dining area further enhances its suitability for gatherings, allowing seamless transitions from casual chats to shared meals.

A Space for Double Dates and Friendship

Ant and Dec’s friendship, forged at age 13 on the set of Byker Grove, is the foundation of their success. As Ant once said, “We’re friends first and foremost, and the TV shows come after that. You know it’s a true friendship.” Dec echoed this, noting, “Our career is built on friendship, not a friendship built on a career.” This bond, marked by knowing “what makes the other laugh, what annoys the other one,” shines through in their personal lives, where they prioritize time together despite busy schedules and growing families. Ant’s living room, with its cozy yet stylish ambiance, is tailor-made for these moments, whether it’s a relaxed double date with Anne-Marie and Ali or a family gathering with their children.

The idea of double dates in Ant’s living room conjures images of the foursome enjoying their signature banter, perhaps reminiscing about their early days as PJ and Duncan or poking fun at their 1994 This Morning performance of “Eternal Love,” which recently resurfaced to their amusement. Fans have speculated about evenings spent watching Newcastle United matches, given both Ant and Dec’s devotion to the club, or simply unwinding with a curry and a few drinks. The living room’s design, with its bold colors and comfortable seating, creates an inviting atmosphere that complements the duo’s down-to-earth yet larger-than-life dynamic.

Contrasting Homes, Unchanging Bond

While Ant’s living room leans into vibrant hues, Dec’s Chiswick mansion, valued at £7 million, showcases a more understated elegance. Dec’s home, where he lives with Ali, six-year-old Isla, and two-year-old Jack, features a cinema, swimming pool, steam room, and a home gym adorned with Newcastle United shirts. In 2022, Dec purchased a neighboring £2.25 million “eyesore” property, converting it into two luxury apartments with a party room boasting a custom bar, vintage mirror, and bespoke seating. This acquisition, just two doors from Ant’s former Chiswick home, underscores Dec’s commitment to enhancing his family’s environment, much like Ant’s renovations in Wimbledon.

Despite their contrasting interior styles, Ant and Dec’s homes reflect their shared values: family, friendship, and creating spaces for connection. Ant’s move to Wimbledon, though a departure from their Chiswick days, hasn’t hindered their closeness. Dec’s frequent visits to Ant’s mansion, often with Ali and their children, ensure that double dates and family hangouts remain a staple of their relationship. The living room, with its blend of luxury and comfort, serves as a backdrop for these cherished moments, reinforcing the duo’s unbreakable bond.

The Broader Appeal: Why Fans Are Obsessed

The fascination with Ant’s living room goes beyond its aesthetic appeal—it’s a window into the personal lives of two of Britain’s most beloved stars. Fans, who’ve followed Ant and Dec from their Byker Grove days to their current ITV dominance, are drawn to the authenticity of their friendship. The idea of Ant hosting Dec in his pristine living room resonates because it humanizes them, showing that even multimillionaires with hectic careers prioritize simple pleasures like shared meals and laughter. Social media buzz, particularly on platforms like X, has amplified interest, with fans gushing over the “dreamy” space and imagining the fun of an Ant and Dec double date.

The living room’s design also taps into broader trends in home decor, where bold colors and personalized spaces are gaining popularity. Ant’s choice of navy and mustard, paired with award-filled shelves, offers inspiration for fans looking to blend modern style with sentimental touches. The contrast with Dec’s neutral home further fuels discussion, highlighting how their distinct personalities—Ant’s vibrancy and Dec’s calm sophistication—complement each other both on and off screen.

Challenges and Resilience

Ant’s journey to this idyllic home life wasn’t without hurdles. His 2018 divorce, drink-driving incident, and rehab stints tested his resilience, with Anne-Marie providing crucial support, earning his description as his “rock.” The move to Wimbledon symbolized a fresh start, distancing him from the challenges of his Chiswick years, including a 2021 fire that damaged his former marital home, now owned by Lisa Armstrong. Meanwhile, Dec faced his own trials, including a 2021 attempted burglary at his Chiswick mansion, thwarted by robust security. These experiences underscore the significance of their homes as sanctuaries, where they can retreat with loved ones and, in Ant’s case, host Dec for those all-important double dates.

What’s Next for Ant and Dec’s Hangouts?

As Ant and Dec, both 49, continue to dominate British television with Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win, their personal lives remain a source of fascination. Ant’s living room, with its potential for hosting memorable evenings, is likely to see many more double dates, perhaps with Dec’s party room in Chiswick serving as a future venue for larger gatherings. The duo’s ability to balance fame with genuine friendship ensures that these moments, whether in Wimbledon or Chiswick, will remain a cornerstone of their lives.

The Wimbledon mansion, still under renovation as Ant and Anne-Marie tailor it to their tastes, promises to evolve further, potentially with additions like the approved swimming pool or new decor to reflect their growing family. For now, the living room stands as a testament to Ant’s new chapter and his enduring connection with Dec, offering a space where their friendship can thrive.

Why This Matters

Ant McPartlin’s living room isn’t just a beautifully designed space—it’s a symbol of resilience, friendship, and the power of creating a home that reflects one’s values. For fans, it’s a reminder that Ant and Dec, despite their wealth and fame, cherish the same connections that matter to us all. The story of this living room, perfect for double dates and steeped in the duo’s history, resonates because it celebrates authenticity in a world often dominated by curated images. It’s a space where two friends, who’ve grown from teenage actors to TV icons, can simply be themselves.