ANT McPartlin candidly told of his dreams of becoming a dad eight years ago in a hugely emotional interview.
The Britain's Got Talent judge has now seen his fatherhood wishes come true, this week revealing the birth of his son Wilder who he shares with wife Anne Marie Corbett.
The pair, who tied the knot in 2021, announced their baby news on Instagram with Ant said to be "beyond thrilled."
He is now embarking on paternity leave - a concept that was on his mind almost a decade ago.
Back then, the Saturday Night Takeaway frontman spoke exclusively to The Sun's TV Mag and said: "In five year's time, I definitely see kids and all that in my life."
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Time may have taken his journey in a different direction, but he is certainly now one proud papa.
During the same chat Ant, who was previously married to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, opened up on the value of family time as his broadcasting career with best pal Declan Donnelly escalated.
He added to us at the time: "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."
He added: "We do think about slowing down, work wise, because you don't want to kill yourself."
His comments resonate even more now after the pair's show - Saturday Night Takeaway - recently wrapped after 20 years, leaving the duo in floods of tears.
Happy arrival
Ant's wife Anne-Marie, 46, gave birth to their son Wilder at the London Clinic on Tuesday - the same hospital where the King and Princess of Wales have received treatment for cancer in recent months.
Ant confirmed Anne-Marie had given birth yesterday and shared a photograph of him cradling baby Wilder on Instagram.
He said: “Welcome to the family. Wilder Patrick McPartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am.
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“Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”
A friend added to us: “Ant and Anne Marie are beyond thrilled - their little family is complete.
“They’ve been overwhelmed with lovely messages from friends, family and fans and are still wading through them all now. They are incredibly grateful to everyone.
Ant cannot wait to be a hands-on dad, changing the nappies and just spending time with little Wilder
A source
“They chose the name, Wilder, a while ago but have deliberately kept it a closely guarded secret.
“They are going to be absolutely wonderful, doting parents and Ant cannot wait to be a hands-on dad, changing the nappies and just spending time with little Wilder.”
Since he started dating Anne-Marie, Ant has become a devoted step-dad to her children Poppy and Daisy, even dedicating a tattoo tribute to the family.
The Sun first revealed Ant and Anne Marie were going to be parents for the first time in February.
