Sweet meaning behind Ant McPartlin’s new tattoo explained as he reveals inking at birth of first baby
ANT McPartlin has shared with the world the arrival of his baby boy – and a long-hidden tattoo with a really special meaning.
To announce the arrival, Ant shared a black-and-white photo of him holding the baby in his arms on skin-to-skin contact.
Down the Britain’s Got Talent host’s arm was a quarter-sleeve tattoo of a huge oak tree, with names inked in scriptures on the branches.
“Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am,” Ant wrote.
“Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”
The tattoo itself is also a massive emblem of the family he holds dear to his heart.
At the top of the tree, one of the scriptures reads “Amzy”, a nickname for his wife, Anne-Marie, who he tied the knot with in 2021.
Underneath, two more scriptures read “Daisy” and “Poppy” in honour of his step-daughters, Anne-Marie’s girls from her previous marriage.
Finally, underneath that is “Bumble”, the beloved family dog.
It is not known when Ant got this tattoo, but he has clearly kept it under wraps for at least a year, with the sizing of the ink meaning it’s completely covered by shirts and t-shirts.
Now he has a new script to add to the branches, thanks to adorable baby Wilder, who is hidden from view in the announcement picture as he nuzzles into his dad’s chest.
The Sun revealed in February the couple, who started dating in 2018, were going to become parents together for the first time.
A source told us: “This is the news everyone wanted. Ant and Anne- Marie are beyond delighted.
“It’s no secret that Ant has always wanted children, but that it may never happen for him was something he had, sadly, come to terms with.
“When they found out last year, they were absolutely delighted, but obviously kept the news quiet for as long as possible.
“To be having a child two years short of his 50th birthday, with the love of his life, is the stuff of dreams for Ant.
“He’s already a wonderful, doting father to Anne-Marie’s kids, and together they’re going to be brilliant parents to this latest addition to the family.”
Ant and Dec's incredible career
ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly met on the set of Byker Grove in 1990.
The two went on to have chart success under their characters’ names – including their 1994 No1 smash hit Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.
They haven’t looked back since then, going on to present some of the most popular shows on TV.
Here’s a rundown of some of their most popular shows – plus one “dud”.
- The Ant & Dec Show – this late afternoon kids’ entertainment series ran from 1995-1996 for 17 episodes
- Ant & Dec Unzipped – the twosome jumped from ITV to Channel 4 for this children’s sketch show in 1997
- SM:TV Live – the duo teamed up with Cat Deeley in 1998 for Saturday morning mayhem including the classic Wonkey Donkey game
- Friends Like These – the Geordie pair hopped channels again, landing on BBC One to present this game show from 1999 until 2001
- Pop Idol – before The X Factor there was Pop Idol, which ran for two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and saw Michelle McManus and Will Young crowned the winners
- I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – the reality TV show began in 2002, with Dec presenting all 23 seasons, even one without sidekick Ant as Holly Willoughby stepped up
- Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – this show also began in 2002, but the lads said the 2024 offering would be their last
- PokerFace – Ant and Dec created this game show which aired from 2006-2007. with a top prize of £1million.
- Britain’s Got Talent – the TV series began in 2007 with the pair’s backstage antics loved by fans. They also took part in silly competitions on Stephen Mulhern‘s ITV spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent
- Red Or Black – the show only aired for two seasons in 2011 and 2012. It was one of the pair’s rare “flops” with Dec admitting “we got it wrong”
- Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win – the pair had another success on their hands when this show hit screens in 2022
