Inside Ant McPartlin’s first Father’s Day after years of longing to be a dad

Ant McPartlin has always dreamed of being a dad and now he’s celebrating his first Father’s Day.

The Geordie star never shied away from sharing just how much he wanted children. Ant, 48, finally had his dream come true when he and his wife Anne Marie Corbett welcomed their first child, a son, earlier this year. Three years after tying the knot, the couple welcomed Wilder Patrick into their lives, adding to their family, including Anne Marie’s children from a previous relationship.

Now, the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! presenter will celebrate Father’s Day with a whole new meaning. Since their family expanded, the pair have been making the most out of their free time by heading out for walks with little Wilder and their adorable dogs.

Last month, Ant revealed he was “a mess” following Wilder’s birth as he shared an adorable snap with his online followers while praising his wife. Eight years ago, Ant admitted he had dreamed of having children, telling The Sun’s TV Mag: “In five year’s time, I definitely see kids and all that in my life.”

He went on to say: “You realise what’s important in life, we appreciate time off more and try to build in family time. In your 20s and 30s you are working so hard and you want to be the best you can be but when you come into your 40s you want to pursue different things.”

Meanwhile, McPartlin previously opened up about the struggles he and his former wife, Lisa Armstrong faced when trying to conceive. Speaking in 2013, Ant told Radio Times: “There’s a rumour that we do everything together and I’m holding off having kids till Dec finds himself Mrs Right. I love that idea, but I’m afraid it’s not true. Lisa and I would love to have kids. We’re trying.” In a five word admission, he added: “It’s tougher than you think.”

Following the birth of Wilder, a source said that the couple was ‘beyond delighted’ at the happy news, The Sun said: “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 will be marking the occasion with his son, beloved dogs and his two-step daughters Poppy and Daisy. He recently had a tattoo dedicated to his family.

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