By The Evening Standard | Family & Society
In a heartfelt and quietly historic announcement, beloved television host Anthony McPartlin and his wife Anne-Marie Corbett have revealed that they are in the final stages of adopting twin Black baby girls from abroad — and have already chosen distinctively English names that they say “hold deep meaning and legacy.”
👶 A Family Expansion With Purpose
The couple, who welcomed their biological son Wilder earlier this year, say the decision to adopt was born from a shared desire to “build a home rooted in love, diversity, and opportunity.”
“We’ve always believed family is chosen, not just born,” said a source close to the couple.
“This isn’t a celebrity gesture — this is deeply personal. Anthony and Anne-Marie have spent nearly a year preparing for this.”
The girls, currently being cared for in a private children’s home outside of the UK, are expected to arrive by early 2026 pending final paperwork and transitional visits.
🏷️ Names With British Soul
The couple has reportedly chosen names that have no cultural equivalent outside of the UK, aiming to celebrate their daughters’ future as British citizens while preserving space for identity, pride, and growth.
Though the names haven’t been publicly confirmed, insiders suggest they are inspired by:
-
Historical British figures from the arts and education
-
Floral and literary references with royal associations
-
And uniquely English middle names that haven’t appeared in national registries in over a century
“Think Beatrix meets Elowen,” one family friend hinted. “They’ve chosen names that feel classic but undiscovered.”
🌍 A Statement of Love — and Intention
The McPartlins are reportedly working closely with adoption specialists focused on cross-cultural integration, and have already assembled a team of early-years educators and diversity mentors to support the girls’ journey.
“They’re not naive. They know this carries complexity,” said one child development advisor.
“But their hearts are in the right place — and their preparation has been meticulous.”
👨👩👧👧 Big Brother Wilder
Anthony and Anne-Marie are also said to be introducing the idea gently to their son Wilder, who will turn one shortly after the twins are expected to arrive.
Family members shared that Wilder already has a “welcome box” prepared for his sisters, complete with soft toys, a recorded lullaby from Ant, and two matching baby blankets stitched with their soon-to-be initials.
🗣️ Public Response: Emotional and Proud
As news of the adoption spread across social media, fans praised the couple’s openness and intention:
“Two little girls are about to be loved beyond measure.”
“This is how you use privilege — to create a legacy of care.”
📌 What Comes Next?
The couple will reportedly take a career pause for several months following the adoption to focus on family bonding, early development, and privacy.
With every step, Anthony and Anne-Marie McPartlin are writing a new chapter in what it means to be a modern British family — one that chooses love over convention, preparation over publicity, and above all, home.