Ant McPartlin is a renowned English television presenter, producer, comedian, and former singer, best known as one half of the duo Ant & Dec alongside Declan Donnelly. Born on November 18, 1975, in Newcastle upon Tyne, he has built a career spanning over three decades, from child actor in Byker Grove to hosting blockbuster ITV shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent. This mega article dives deep into Ant McPartlin’s journey, covering his early beginnings, rise to fame, personal struggles, family life, business ventures, and latest endeavors as of 2026.
Readers will discover detailed timelines of his TV hits, insights into his partnership with Dec, his path through addiction recovery and ADHD diagnosis, his blended family dynamics, luxurious properties, and charitable efforts. Explore practical facts like his net worth estimated over £60 million, recent £30 million ITV deal until 2028, and pet obsessions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Ant McPartlin, this scannable guide offers authoritative facts, career highlights, and FAQs for quick insights into his enduring appeal in British entertainment.
Early Life
Ant McPartlin, full name Anthony David McPartlin, was born on November 18, 1975, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He grew up in the Fenham area, attending St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School followed by St Cuthbert’s High School. From a young age, music and comedy captivated him; his mother encouraged his talents by taking him to audition for children’s TV.
His Geordie roots shaped his energetic persona, with a childhood filled with local influences in Newcastle. Family support was key as he balanced school and early performances. This foundation in Tyneside culture fueled his authentic on-screen charm.
Childhood Interests
Ant showed artistic flair early, mimicking pop stars and comedians at home. He immersed himself in local theater and music scenes around Newcastle. These hobbies led to his TV break, blending fun with ambition.
Byker Grove Debut
Ant landed his first major role as PJ in BBC’s Byker Grove starting in 1990’s second series. The teen drama set in Newcastle’s Byker youth club introduced him to Declan Donnelly, who played Duncan in series one. Their on-screen chemistry as PJ & Duncan sparked real-life friendship.
The show aired until 2000, with revivals in 2000, teaching Ant acting basics amid gritty storylines. Filming in local Tyneside locations like Wallsend immersed him in authentic youth culture. This role marked his shift from schoolboy to professional performer.
PJ Character Details
PJ was rebellious, involved in bike gangs and romances, mirroring 90s teen angst. Ant’s portrayal drew from personal experiences in Newcastle. Episodes tackled drugs, family issues, boosting his early fanbase.
PJ & Duncan Era
In 1993, Ant and Dec released music as PJ & Duncan, hitting UK charts with “Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble” in 1994. The single topped charts twice, once in 2013 via Saturday Night Takeaway performance. They dropped albums like Psyche and Crash, earning BRIT Award nomination for Best British Newcomer.
Live tours across UK arenas followed, blending rap, pop, dance. This phase transitioned them from actors to pop stars, performing at Wembley. Revenue from sales and gigs built early wealth.
Music Hits Breakdown
Key tracks included “Stomp!” and “If I Gave You My Love,” peaking top 10. Videos featured energetic choreography in urban settings. Fan mania peaked with 1995 tour dates in cities like Manchester, London.
Ant & Dec Formation
Post-Byker Grove, Ant and Dec became presenting duo in 1995 with The Ant & Dec Show on BBC One. Two series followed, then Channel 4’s edgier Ant & Dec Unzipped in 1998. Their banter clicked, leading to ITV’s SMTV Live in 1998-2001.
CD:UK music show ran parallel, interviewing stars like Britney Spears. This era honed their kid-friendly chaos style. Ratings soared, cementing duo status.
Children’s TV Dominance
SMTV Live averaged 2 million viewers weekly, with segments like Dance Ant & Dec. Random acts pranks engaged kids nationwide. They won early awards for entertainment innovation.
Saturday Night Takeaway
Launched 2002, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway became ITV’s flagship, running to 2009, reviving 2013-2024. Highlights: global prize trips, celebrity hide-and-seek, live challenges. 2024 finale drew 4.6 million viewers.
Live audience at studios in London, Newcastle specials. Celebrity guests like Justin Bieber performed. Show spawned apps like Studio Rush in 2013.
Iconic Segments
“Win the Ads” gave household prizes; Ant vs Dec races entertained. International Takeaway adventures to Florida, Australia. Philanthropy via Text Santa raised millions.
I’m a Celebrity Hosting
Since 2002 (except 2017), Ant & Dec host I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! from Australian jungle. Live nightly from Gwrych Castle in Wales during COVID. 2025 series featured royals ties, drawing 12 million peak viewers.
Filming November-December in Queensland, hosted from ITV studios. Bushtucker Trials test celebs; duo’s commentary iconic. South Africa spin-off in 2024.
Jungle Antics
Suits, head torches signature; post-trial feasts mocked. Interviews reveal celeb backstories. Ratings king, beating BBC rivals.
Britain’s Got Talent
Co-hosting since 2007, alongside Simon Cowell. Auditions nationwide, finals at Hammersmith Apollo. Acts like Diversity won 2009, Susan Boyle viral.
Live tours post-show; champions edition 2019. Global format success. Duo earned RTS awards for performances.
Judging Panel Dynamics
Banter with Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden. Golden buzzers add drama. Diverse acts: singers, magicians, dogs.
Other Major Shows
Pop Idol 2001-2003 launched Will Young. PokerFace 2006-2007 interactive game. Red or Black? 2011-2012 high-stakes. Limitless Win 2022- ongoing quiz.
Push the Button 2010-2011 button challenges. Gameshow Marathon 2005 recreated classics. DNA Journey specials traced ancestry.
Special Projects
When Ant & Dec Met the Prince 2016 for Prince’s Trust. Queen’s 90th Birthday 2016. Brit Awards 2001,2015-2016.
Awards and Honors
Over 20 National Television Awards for Best Presenter. 2025 RTS Entertainment Performance for Takeaway. BAFTA wins for duo.
OBE in 2017 for charity. Record 23 NTAs by 2024. Most Popular Presenter polls dominate.
Notable Wins
2018 NTA despite hiatus. 2013 RTS for I’m a Celeb. Fan-voted consistency.
Addiction Struggles
In 2017, Ant admitted alcohol, prescription drug addiction, entering rehab March 2018 post-drink-drive crash. Absent from TV nearly year, returned June 2019 on BGT. Sober since, attends AA meetings.
2018 arrest after three-car collision in London; charges dropped for rehab plea. Public apology emphasized family impact. Recovery transformed health, weight loss visible.
Rehab Timeline
Entered The Priory; 2018 step-back from shows. Dec solo-hosted I’m a Celeb. Full return 2019 marked resilience.
ADHD Diagnosis
Diagnosed 2018 post-crash, explaining lifelong impulsivity, focus issues. Links to addiction studied during recovery. Openly discusses, aiding others.
Symptoms undiagnosed for years; therapy, meds help. Joined celebs like Sam Thompson sharing stories. “Made sense,” he said in 2019.
First Marriage
Married Lisa Armstrong July 22, 2006, at Cliveden after 2005 Dubai proposal. Met on show sets; together 11 years till 2018 divorce. No kids; shared dog Hurley custody.
Split amid addiction woes; amicable post. Lisa makeup artist on their shows. Divorce finalized October 2018.
Wedding Details
Star-studded, Dec best man. Buckinghamshire venue. Honeymoon luxury.
Anne-Marie Corbett
Met 2017 as PA; dated 2018, engaged 2020, married August 7, 2021, at St Mary’s Church, London. Blended family: her daughters Daisy (15), Poppy (13) from prior marriage.
Private ceremony, 100 guests. Wimbledon home base. Tattoo honors family, dogs.
Relationship Milestones
Post-divorce support key. 2021 vows emphasized sobriety commitment.
Children and Stepchildren
Son Wilder Patrick born May 14, 2024, 8:54am; announced Instagram. Stepdad to Daisy, Poppy; calls them socially aware. Family walks with dogs.
Wilder debut photo black-and-white cuddle. Sisters thrilled; dad emotional.
Parenting Insights
Ant: “Dad’s a mess!” post-birth. Balances TV with home life. Stepdad role from 2018.
Pets and Dogs
Loves dogs: Hurley (ex-shared), Milo, Bumble, new labradoodle. Hurley tattoo snub noted by ex. Family walks in Wimbledon Common.
Tattoo includes Anne-Marie, kids, Milo, Bumble. Hurley reunions post-birth.
Dog Stories
Hurley custody battle; “She can have anything except dog.” Walks with Wilder stroller.
Houses and Properties
£6m Wimbledon mansion: seven beds, pool, cinema; moved 2025 after neighbor row, tree disputes. Owns £5m portfolio. Newcastle ties.
Features: conservatory, Victorian pool rooms. Extension plans sparked battles.
Luxury Features
Large kitchen, walk-in wardrobes. London primary, Geordie visits.
Net Worth Breakdown
Estimated £60-62m; Dec similar. £30m ITV deal 2025-2028. Production firms: Mitre, Hurley, Deecour.
Properties £5m; endorsements Suzuki, M&S, Santander. Music royalties ongoing.
Earnings Sources
ITV golden handcuffs £10m/year duo. Ads: McDonald’s, Woolworths past.
ITV Partnership
30 years 2025; exclusive post-Byker. New 2025 deal to 2028. Co-produce via South Shore.
Shows ratings gold; 2026 King Charles doc discussed on Graham Norton.
Contract Details
£30m three years; longest ITV run. Accidental Tourist specials with Stephen Mulhern.
Production Ventures
Owns Deecour solo; duo Mitre, Hurley promotions. South Shore recent co-productions.
DNA Journey, Limitless Win self-made. Agency YMU clients.
Recent News 2026
January 2026: Graham Norton chat on King Charles sleepover at Dumfries House. Podcast launch with Dec. Accidental Tourist return.
Fearne Cotton podcast: dad life, old self gone. ITV specials announced.
Podcast Buzz
New Ant & Dec pod; sobriety decade reflection. Wilder updates private.
Philanthropy Efforts
NSPCC Childhood Day auctions; £4 aids Childline. Soccer Aid 2006,2008. Text Santa millions.
Prince’s Trust 40 years special. Children’s charities focus.
Charity Highlights
Meet-and-greet auctions. Community safety push.
Future Projects
Limitless Win ongoing; BGT 2026 auditions start March. I’m a Celeb November. Podcast expansion.
Accidental Tourist specials. Potential DNA Journey 2.
2026 Lineup
ITV commitments locked. Away-TV projects teased.
Practical Information
Ant McPartlin sightings: London studios, Wimbledon walks. No public tours; TV tapings invite-only.
ITV shows free-to-air; streaming ITVX. Net worth context: £60m+.
Tickets via ITV site: BGT live finals £50-£200. Jungle watch November.
Tips: Follow Instagram @antanddec for updates. Respect privacy at homes.
Family Life Today
Blended harmony in Wimbledon; Wilder toddler 2026. Stepdaughters teens; school-focused.
Daily walks, low-key. Sobriety pillar; AA routine.
Daily Routine
Early rises with baby; TV preps. Dogs central.
Legacy Impact
Defined UK Saturday nights; duo unbreakable. Recovery inspiration.
Awards record; format exports global. Geordie pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ant McPartlin?
Ant McPartlin is an English TV presenter famous for Ant & Dec duo. Born 1975 Newcastle, hosts ITV hits like I’m a Celebrity since 2002. Career from Byker Grove to £60m net worth star.
What is Ant McPartlin’s age?
Born November 18, 1975; 50 years old in 2026. Turns 51 November 2026.
Who is Ant McPartlin’s wife?
Anne-Marie Corbett, married August 2021. Met as PA 2017; two daughters prior.
Does Ant McPartlin have children?
Son Wilder born May 14, 2024. Stepdad to Daisy, Poppy.
What is Ant McPartlin’s net worth?
Around £60-62 million. From ITV deals, production, endorsements.
Why did Ant McPartlin go to rehab?
2017 alcohol, drug addiction; rehab 2018 post-crash. Sober since.
What shows does Ant McPartlin host?
I’m a Celebrity, Britain’s Got Talent, Limitless Win. Past: Takeaway, Pop Idol.
When did Ant McPartlin marry Anne-Marie?
August 7, 2021, St Mary’s Church, London. Private event.
Has Ant McPartlin been diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes, 2018 post-rehab. Links to addiction; openly shares.
Who is Ant McPartlin’s partner Dec?
Declan Donnelly; met Byker Grove 1990. Duo since 1995.
What is Ant McPartlin’s height?
Around 5ft 8in (173cm). Average build post-weight loss.
Where does Ant McPartlin live?
Wimbledon, London; £6m mansion. Moved 2025 after disputes.
Can I buy tickets to Ant McPartlin shows?
Yes, BGT finals via ITV; £50-£200. I’m a Celeb watch TV.
What dogs does Ant McPartlin own?
Hurley (shared ex), Milo, Bumble. Family walks regular.
Is Ant McPartlin sober?
Yes, since 2018 rehab. Decade clean 2028.
What was Ant McPartlin’s first job?
PJ in Byker Grove 1990. Then PJ & Duncan music.
How much is Ant & Dec’s ITV deal?
£30 million to 2028. £10m/year duo approx.
Did Ant McPartlin have a first marriage?
Yes, Lisa Armstrong 2006-2018. Met on sets; dog Hurley shared.
What is Ant McPartlin’s latest baby news?
Wilder Patrick, born 2024. First child with Anne-Marie.
Best Ant McPartlin shows to watch?
I’m a Celebrity for trials; Takeaway for pranks. BGT talents.
Where was Ant McPartlin born?
Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Fenham raised.
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