Anthony McPartlin Announces Unique Name for Twins: A New Chapter for Ant and Dec
Anthony McPartlin, one half of the beloved British television presenting duo Ant and Dec, has long been a household name in the UK, known for hosting shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Alongside his professional partner and best friend Declan Donnelly, McPartlin has entertained millions with his wit and charm. Recently, speculation has swirled around McPartlin’s personal life, particularly following reports suggesting he announced the birth of twins with a name “no one in the UK has.” This article explores this intriguing claim, delving into McPartlin’s journey to fatherhood, his relationship with Declan Donnelly, and the significance of this supposed announcement, while addressing the lack of concrete evidence for twins and analyzing the context of his recent life changes.
The Claim: A Unique Name for Twins?
The notion that Anthony McPartlin announced the birth of twins with an unprecedented name in the UK has captured attention, but a thorough search of recent reports and social media reveals no definitive confirmation of this event. Instead, the most recent and verified news about McPartlin’s family life centers on the birth of his first child, a son named Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born on May 14, 2024, to McPartlin and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. The announcement was made via the official Instagram account shared by Ant and Dec, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: “Welcome to the family. Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”
No credible sources, including major outlets like The Independent, Daily Mail, or Metro, reference McPartlin welcoming twins or announcing a uniquely named child. The claim may stem from confusion with other celebrity baby announcements or misinterpretations of McPartlin’s close relationship with Declan Donnelly, whose own family milestones have been celebrated publicly. For instance, Donnelly named his son Jack Anthony Alphonsus in 2022, a nod to McPartlin’s first name, which sparked emotional reactions among fans. The absence of evidence for twins suggests this may be a rumor or a misunderstanding, possibly fueled by the duo’s high-profile status and their penchant for playful public interactions, such as their viral parody of Australian twins speaking in unison.
McPartlin’s Journey to Fatherhood
Anthony McPartlin’s path to parenthood has been a significant chapter in his life, marked by personal challenges and triumphs. In May 2024, McPartlin, aged 48, welcomed his first biological child, Wilder, with Anne-Marie Corbett, whom he married in August 2021. Corbett, a former personal assistant, brought two daughters, Daisy and Poppy, from her previous marriage, making McPartlin a stepfather. The birth of Wilder was a deeply emotional moment, as McPartlin had previously spoken about his struggles with fertility during his 11-year marriage to Lisa Armstrong, which ended in 2018. In a 2013 interview with Radio Times, he shared, “Lisa and I would love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older”.
The arrival of Wilder was celebrated widely, with fans and celebrities like Holly Willoughby and Davina McCall offering congratulations. McPartlin’s Instagram post revealed a tattoo on his shoulder featuring an oak tree with the names of his stepdaughters and their dogs, Milo and Bumble, symbolizing his commitment to his blended family. The choice of the name Wilder Patrick McPartlin stood out for its distinctiveness, with Wilder being a relatively uncommon name in the UK, potentially sparking speculation about unique naming choices. However, no records indicate it being entirely unique or unprecedented.
Ant and Dec: A Bond Beyond the Screen
The relationship between Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly is a cornerstone of their public persona, often described as a brotherly bond forged during their teenage years on the set of Byker Grove. Their friendship has endured personal and professional highs and lows, including McPartlin’s battles with addiction and his 2018 divorce. Donnelly’s support during these times, including standing by McPartlin during his break from television in 2018, underscores their deep connection.
Donnelly’s own family milestones have intertwined with McPartlin’s. In 2018, Donnelly welcomed his daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne, and in 2022, his son Jack Anthony Alphonsus, named in part to honor McPartlin. Fans were moved by this gesture, with comments like “Omg Anthony as a middle name!” flooding social media. The speculation about McPartlin’s twins may be linked to this naming tradition, with fans possibly anticipating a reciprocal gesture. Reports suggest Donnelly is set to be Wilder’s godfather, further cementing their families’ closeness, with plans for their children to grow up together in their neighboring holiday homes in Portugal.
The “DEC Must Do This” Angle
The phrase “DEC must do this” in the context of the rumored announcement is ambiguous but could imply an expectation for Donnelly to respond to McPartlin’s milestone, perhaps by mirroring a unique naming choice or making a public gesture. Given their history, Donnelly’s response to McPartlin’s fatherhood has been warm and supportive. When McPartlin returned to Britain’s Got Talent after Wilder’s birth, he playfully called out the judges for not buying a baby gift, a lighthearted moment that reflects their dynamic. If the rumor about twins and a unique name were true, Donnelly might be expected to celebrate it publicly, perhaps with a humorous social media post or a nod during their joint projects, like their upcoming ITV travel show The Accidental Tourist with Stephen Mulhern.
The Significance of Unique Names
The idea of a name “no one in the UK has” is intriguing but challenging to verify, as the UK does not maintain a centralized database of unique names. Names like Wilder, while uncommon, are not unheard of, with 74 boys named Wilder in England and Wales in 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics. Truly unique names often draw from unconventional sources, such as nature, literature, or invented spellings, but no evidence suggests McPartlin chose such a name for twins. The focus on Wilder’s name may have amplified speculation, as it aligns with a trend among celebrities to choose distinctive names, like Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow) or Blue Ivy (Beyoncé).
Addressing the Rumor
The lack of credible reports about McPartlin announcing twins suggests the claim may be a misinterpretation or exaggeration. Recent web searches and posts on X show no mention of twins, only references to Wilder’s birth and Donnelly’s children. The viral Australian twins parody by Ant and Dec in April 2025, where they mimicked sisters Bridgette and Paula Powers speaking in unison, might have contributed to the confusion, given the timing and their playful engagement with twin-related content. Additionally, McPartlin’s focus on family, including his stepdaughters and new son, aligns with his decision to pause Saturday Night Takeaway to prioritize personal life, a sentiment echoed by Donnelly, who also has young children.
Conclusion: A New Era for Ant and Dec
While the rumor of Anthony McPartlin announcing twins with a uniquely unprecedented name remains unverified, it highlights the public’s fascination with the personal lives of Ant and Dec. McPartlin’s confirmed journey into fatherhood with Wilder Patrick McPartlin marks a joyful milestone, complementing his enduring partnership with Donnelly. Their bond, reflected in naming tributes and shared family plans, continues to captivate fans. As they navigate new professional ventures and personal chapters, the duo’s authenticity and humor keep them at the heart of British entertainment. For now, the twins rumor appears to be just that—a rumor—but McPartlin’s real-life story of family and friendship is no less compelling.