THRILLED Ant McPartlin has told TV Friends that he is to become a dad for the first time at the age of 48.
The star wanted children for a long time and enthusiastically told the Britain’s Got Talent team that his wife Anne-Marie Corbett (46) is expecting in June.
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Ant McPartlin and wife Anne-Marie have confirmed they are expecting a childCredit: Mega
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Ant’s wife Anne-Marie was reportedly on her five-month check-up Credits: Mega Agency
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Ant and Anne-Marie married in Hertfordshire three years ago and are delighted with the news Credit: Ian Whittaker
National treasure Ant has already confided in best friend Declan Donnelly, 48.
Ant and Anne-Marie Corbett are “beyond delighted” at the news.
Anne-Marie, who has two children from a previous marriage, reportedly underwent a five-month scan – prompting the happy couple to share their news after weeks of frantic speculation.
Last night a source said: “This is the news everyone has been wanting. Ant and Anne-Marie are overjoyed.
“It’s no secret that Mrav has always wanted children, but the fact that it might never happen to him was something he unfortunately came to terms with.
“When they found out last year, they were absolutely delighted, but apparently they kept the news under wraps for as long as possible.
“Having a child two years before his 50th birthday, with the love of his life, is the stuff of dreams for Anto.
“He is already a wonderful, caring father to Anne-Marie’s children, and together they will be great parents to this newest addition to the family.”
The news of Anne-Marie’s pregnancy comes three years after the couple tied the knot at St Michael’s Church in Heckfield, Hampshire.
Dec, whose son Joseph has the middle name Anthony as a sign of respect for his close friend, was best man.
Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett kiss on the way out of the church after their wedding with celebrity guests
Anne-Marie previously worked as a personal assistant to Ant’s then-wife, Lisa Armstrong.
After becoming close friends, she and Ant reunited as a couple in 2018 following the star’s acrimonious marriage split.
Ant has since developed a strong bond with Anne-Marie’s two teenage daughters, raising them as a family in south-west London.
They also have two Maltipos, Milo and Bumble, which they regularly see on walks.
The star, who shares custody of his beloved labrador Hurley with Lisa, previously opened up about his desire to have children – and his heartbreaking struggles to get pregnant with Lisa.
Rumors have been swirling for months that the couple might be expecting – but they’ve never been confirmed or denied
In a touching interview with the Radio Times 12 years ago, before Dec started dating now-wife Ali Astall, he said: “There are rumors that we do everything together and that I’m holding off on having children until Dec finds herself as Mrs Right. I like the idea, but I’m afraid it’s not true.
“Lisa and I would like to have children. We’re trying. It’s harder than you think when you get a little older.
“We’ve wanted kids for a while, but we’re both busy.
“So Lisa and I are trying for a baby… well we’ve been trying for a while now so fingers crossed.”
The popular ITV presenter credits Anne-Marie with getting him through his well-documented addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs, and has often been described as his “rock”.
Rumors have been swirling for months that the couple might be expecting – but they’ve never been confirmed or denied.
Last year, Anne-Marie decided not to fly 21 hours to Australia to be with her husband while he hosted I’m A Celebrity.
Instead, Ant was alone Down Under while co-host Declan was joined by Ali and their two children – Isla, five, and Jack, one.
Ant is currently filming the new series of Britain’s Got Talent in Manchester.
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Ant has been filming the new series of Britain’s Got Talent in ManchesterCredit: PA
He and Dec lined up for a photo shoot with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli yesterday.
Last year, Ant and Dec revealed they were taking a break from their successful Saturday Night Takeaway series to focus on other projects.
She is a beautiful soul. We are very happy. I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in my life to be honest with you. it is great
Ant on Anne-Marie’s wife
This means that the future father will have more time for his baby.
Since the Geordies first met in 1990 in children’s drama Byker Grove, Ant and Dec have become household names.
They released two albums as PJ & Duncan, before changing to Ant and Dec.
Their 1994 single Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble was a No. 9, but the reissue in 2013 brought the couple their first hit no.
The duo also fronted SMTV Live and are now Britain’s most successful TV partnership, winning a record 45 gongs at the National Television Awards.
However, Ant also struggled with drink and drug addiction after botched knee surgery.
Then in 2018, he had a car accident, which forced him to check into rehab for two months.
Ant is now sober and has spoken about his happiness in his personal and professional life.
He said of Anne-Marie: “She is a beautiful soul. We are very happy. I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in my life to be honest with you. it is great.”
In 2017, Ant and Dec went to Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE from the then Prince Charles for services to broadcasting and entertainment.
The couple have worked regularly with the current king as ambassadors for the charity The Prince’s Trust.
As well as ITV shows such as I’m A Celebrity and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, they have hosted the Brit Awards three times, most recently in 2017.
Their extensive haul of gongs includes the 2000 BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Entertainment Program for SMTV Live.
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Ant and Anne-Marie are often seen walking their dogs together in LondonCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
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Ant will be able to spend more time with his family after filming Britain’s Got Talent Credits: Splash
How much is Ant McPartlin worth?
Ant’s net worth is estimated at more than £60 million, and his current partner Dec Donnelly is thought to be worth a similar amount.
However, he lost large sums of money in 2019 due to his drink-driving scandal which cost him £1.6m in 2018, and his £31m divorce settlement from ex-wife Lisa Armstrong.
In 2023, the pair signed a new three-year deal with ITV worth more than £30m.
This is a far cry from Byker Grove where they reportedly earned £100 a day.
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