In an emotional moment that has captured the hearts of fans across the UK, Ant McPartlin, one half of the beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec, announced the arrival of his second child with wife Anne-Marie Corbett. The announcement, made in April 2025, comes after the birth of their first child, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, in May 2024, marking a new chapter for the couple, who have navigated both personal and professional highs and lows together. 
A Joyful Announcement Amid Tears and Pride
On Instagram in early April 2025, Ant shared a heartwarming black-and-white photo of himself cradling the newborn. The caption read: “Welcome to the family, Juniper Sage McPartlin. Born 03/04/25 at 7:22am. Baby is perfect, Mummy’s a warrior, Wilder and sisters are thrilled. Dad’s an emotional wreck!” The name Juniper Sage, with its nature-inspired elegance, immediately caught the attention of fans, who praised the name as “stunning,” “unexpected,” and “beautifully unique.” 
In a follow-up interview with The Sun, Ant opened up about the overwhelming moment he first held Juniper. “It’s overwhelming, just like with Wilder, but different,” he said. “You think you know what to expect, but this little one just floors you. Anne-Marie was incredible, and seeing Wilder meet his sister—my heart’s never been so full.” Ant admitted to shedding tears as he watched his family grow. Anne-Marie, who has two daughters, Poppy and Daisy, from a previous marriage, also shared the sentiment, reflecting on their growing blended family. 
The Name That Stunned Fans
The choice of Juniper Sage McPartlin has sparked plenty of conversation. Unlike the more traditional Wilder Patrick, Juniper Sage combines botanical and spiritual elements, creating a name full of meaning and significance. Juniper, derived from the evergreen shrub, symbolizes protection and resilience, while Sage, a herb associated with wisdom and healing, adds a serene, timeless quality. Fans on social media were quick to praise the name, with comments like, “Juniper Sage is absolutely gorgeous!” and “Ant and Anne-Marie nailed it with this one—so unique!” 
Celebrity friends also flooded the comments with congratulations. Davina McCall wrote, “Oh, Ant, this is magical! Juniper Sage is divine—huge love to you all!” while Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon added, “What a name! Welcome, little Juniper! So happy for you.” Holly Willoughby, a close friend and former This Morning presenter, commented, “Juniper Sage is pure poetry. Sending all my love to your beautiful family.” The name’s bold yet graceful appeal has made it one of 2025’s most memorable celebrity baby names.
A Journey of Love and Resilience
Ant and Anne-Marie’s path to their second child has been one of love, resilience, and personal growth. The couple, who married in a star-studded ceremony in August 2021, welcomed their first child, Wilder, in May 2024. Ant described the birth as “the stuff of dreams” after years of longing for fatherhood. Prior to Wilder’s birth, Ant had been open about his struggles with his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, during their 11-year marriage, which ended in 2018. Anne-Marie, formerly Ant’s personal assistant, brought two daughters into their relationship, and Ant has spoken fondly of his role as a stepfather, noting the joy the girls bring to his life.
The couple’s second child arrives at a time of stability, following a challenging period in Ant’s life. In 2018, he faced public scrutiny after a drink-driving incident and entered rehab for addiction issues, with Anne-Marie providing unwavering support. Ant has credited her as his “rock,” saying in 2019, “She’s a beautiful soul. I’m in the best place I’ve been in my life.” Their growing family, now including Juniper Sage, is a testament to their commitment to each other and their shared vision of a joyful, grounded life.
Balancing Fatherhood and a High-Profile Career 
Ant’s emotional announcement comes amid a busy professional period. After pausing Saturday Night Takeaway in 2024 to focus on family, Ant and Dec returned to screens with I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in late 2024, welcoming stars like Oti Mabuse and Danny Jones to the Australian jungle. Ant admitted to OK! Magazine that leaving Wilder for the three-week filming stint was “really emotional,” a sentiment likely amplified with Juniper’s arrival. “It’s the longest I’ve been away from them, and it’s tough,” he said, highlighting the challenges of balancing his high-profile career with fatherhood.
Despite these demands, Ant has prioritized family time. The couple resides in a £6 million Wimbledon property, a spacious home that accommodates their blended family and pets, Milo and Bumble, whose names adorn Ant’s family tree tattoo alongside Poppy and Daisy. The addition of Juniper Sage has prompted Ant to reflect on his priorities, with sources telling The Sun that he’s “more committed than ever to being present for his kids.” This shift aligns with his and Dec’s decision to take breaks from their hectic schedules, as Dec, a father of two, also values family time with wife Ali Astall.
Public Reaction and Support
The public response to Juniper Sage’s birth has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans celebrating Ant’s joy after years of personal challenges. Social media posts on X reflected the sentiment, with one user writing, “Ant McPartlin’s baby name is just chef’s kiss! Juniper Sage is so cool, and you can tell he’s over the moon.” Another commented, “Seeing Ant this happy with his family makes my heart burst. Congrats on baby Juniper!” The outpouring of support underscores Ant’s enduring popularity as a relatable, down-to-earth figure, despite his celebrity status.
Colleagues have also rallied around the couple. Declan Donnelly, Ant’s best friend and co-presenter, was among the first to know about the pregnancy, having been a confidant during Wilder’s arrival. Dec, who served as best man at Ant and Anne-Marie’s wedding, reportedly “couldn’t be happier” for the couple, with sources noting his excitement at their growing family. Other stars, including Ashley Banjo and Fred Sirieix, echoed the congratulations, emphasizing the warmth and admiration Ant inspires.
A Bright Future for the McPartlin Family
The birth of Juniper Sage McPartlin marks a new chapter for Ant and Anne-Marie, one filled with love, laughter, and the challenges of raising a young family. As Ant navigates fatherhood to two children and his role as a stepfather, his emotional openness has resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into the man behind the TV persona. The stunning name Juniper Sage, with its blend of strength and serenity, reflects the couple’s hopeful outlook and creative spirit.
Looking ahead, Ant remains a fixture on British television, with Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity ensuring his presence on screens. Yet, his focus is increasingly on family, with Anne-Marie and their children at the heart of his world. As he told The Sun, “This is what it’s all about—family, love, and these moments that make everything else fade away.” For Ant McPartlin, Juniper Sage’s arrival is not just a milestone but a reminder of the joy that comes from building a life with those he loves most.


