Ant McPartlin's Baby Shower Spotlight Stolen by Declan Donnelly’s Surprise Gift

In the world of British television, few duos are as iconic as Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known affectionately as Ant and Dec. The lifelong friends and co-hosts of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent have shared countless moments on and off the screen, from hilarious pranks to heartfelt milestones. Recently, the spotlight turned to Ant McPartlin as he and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, celebrated the impending arrival of their second child with a lavish baby shower. However, it was Declan Donnelly who stole the show with a surprise gift that left everyone buzzing.

A Joyous Occasion for Ant and Anne-Marie

Ant McPartlin, 49, and Anne-Marie Corbett welcomed their first child, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, on May 14, 2024, a moment that brought immense joy to the couple and their fans. The TV presenter shared a heartwarming black-and-white photo on Instagram, captioning it, “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.” The arrival of Wilder marked a new chapter for Ant, who has embraced fatherhood with enthusiasm, often seen doting on his son during rare breaks from filming.

Fast forward to 2025, and the couple is preparing to welcome their second child. To celebrate, Ant and Anne-Marie hosted a baby shower at their stunning £6 million Wimbledon mansion, a home they’ve transformed into a family haven since moving in together in 2019. The event was a star-studded affair, attended by close friends, family, and a few familiar faces from the entertainment world. The couple’s signature warmth and hospitality were on full display, with the event featuring elegant décor, a blue-themed nursery-inspired setup, and a spread of gourmet treats. Social media glimpses showed a joyful atmosphere, with guests mingling and celebrating the McPartlin family’s growing brood.

Declan Donnelly: The Best Friend with the Best Gift

While the baby shower was undoubtedly Ant and Anne-Marie’s moment, it was Declan Donnelly who stole the spotlight with a surprise gift that left guests in awe. Known for his cheeky humor and deep bond with Ant, Dec arrived at the event with his wife, Ali Astall, and their two children, Isla and Jack. The duo’s friendship, spanning over three decades, has been a cornerstone of their success, but it’s their off-screen camaraderie that truly shines. Dec, a father himself, clearly put thought into a gift that was both sentimental and show-stopping.

According to sources close to the event, Dec presented Ant and Anne-Marie with a custom-made, handcrafted rocking chair for the new baby’s nursery. The chair, designed by a renowned British artisan, was adorned with intricate carvings of stars and moons, symbolizing the dreams and aspirations the couple have for their child. What made the gift even more special was a hidden compartment in the chair, containing a heartfelt letter from Dec to the unborn child. In the letter, Dec reportedly shared words of wisdom, humor, and promises to be the “cool uncle” who’d always be there for adventures and support. Guests were moved to tears as Ant read the letter aloud, his voice cracking with emotion.

The rocking chair wasn’t just a thoughtful gesture; it was a nod to the duo’s shared history. Fans may recall that Ant and Dec have often spoken about their childhoods in Newcastle, where simple, meaningful moments shaped their friendship. The chair, with its timeless design, seemed to echo those roots, blending nostalgia with hope for the future. Social media erupted with praise for Dec’s gift, with fans calling it “the perfect blend of heart and humor” and “a gift only Dec could pull off.”

A Friendship That Steals the Show

The baby shower wasn’t the first time Dec has shown his knack for stealing the spotlight in the best way possible. The duo’s dynamic has always been a mix of playful banter and unwavering loyalty. From their viral Instagram parody of Australian twins to their emotional celebrations during Newcastle United’s historic cup win, Ant and Dec have a way of making every moment memorable. Even during challenging times, such as Ant’s personal struggles or their brief drift in recent years, their bond has remained unbreakable.

At the baby shower, Dec’s gift wasn’t the only moment that highlighted their friendship. Guests noted the duo’s effortless chemistry as they entertained the crowd with impromptu jokes and stories. One attendee shared on social media, “Ant and Dec were in top form, finishing each other’s sentences and making everyone laugh. Dec’s gift was the cherry on top of an already perfect day.” The event also showcased Dec’s role as a devoted family man, with his daughter Isla and son Jack joining in the festivities, charming guests with their antics.

The McPartlin Family’s Growing Joy

For Ant, the baby shower was a chance to reflect on his journey as a father and husband. After his high-profile split from Lisa Armstrong in 2018, Ant found love with Anne-Marie, marrying her in an intimate ceremony in 2021. The couple’s blended family, including Anne-Marie’s two daughters from a previous relationship, has brought Ant a renewed sense of purpose. The arrival of Wilder and now the anticipation of their second child have only deepened his commitment to family life.

Anne-Marie, described by Ant as “a legend,” played a key role in organizing the baby shower, ensuring every detail was perfect. From the personalized gift bags for guests to the playlist featuring Ant and Dec’s favorite tunes, the event was a testament to their shared vision for their growing family. The couple’s love was evident as they posed for photos, with Ant cradling Anne-Marie’s bump and beaming with pride.

A Moment to Remember

As the baby shower came to a close, guests left with hearts full of warmth and excitement for the McPartlin family’s next chapter. Declan Donnelly’s surprise gift, however, remained the talk of the town. The rocking chair and its heartfelt letter were more than just a present; they were a symbol of a friendship that has weathered decades and a reminder of the joy that comes from celebrating life’s milestones together.

Ant and Dec’s story is one of resilience, laughter, and love, both on and off the screen. As Ant prepares to welcome his second child, it’s clear that Dec will be by his side, ready to make every moment unforgettable—whether with a prank, a heartfelt gesture, or a gift that steals the show. Fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic duo and their growing families.