Ant McPartlin's 'ray of light' baby name tribute from Dec ahead of becoming a dad

Ant McPartlin is set to become a father for the first time, and his best mate and co-star Declan Donnelly has already paid him a touching tribute by naming his second child after him.

Dec and his wife Ali Astall, who welcomed their son in 2022, chose the name Jack Anthony Alphonsus, with the middle name honouring Ant.

Dec shared the joyful news on the official Ant and Dec Twitter account, writing: "Shortly before 10am yesterday, 23.7.2022, Ali and I welcomed the arrival of our son, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, a very welcome ray of light. He is wonderful, and Isla is beyond excited to be a big sister! D x."

The name also pays homage to Dec's late father with the inclusion of 'Alphonsus'. The couple, married since 2015, are already parents to daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne, born in 2018.

Meanwhile, Ant, aged 48, is eagerly anticipating fatherhood with his second wife Anne-Marie Corbett, who is pregnant with her third child. Anne-Marie, Ant's former personal assistant, has two children from a previous relationship.

Now, she and Ant are preparing for their new addition, reports the Mirror.

In preparation for his upcoming role as a dad, Ant has invested in a luxurious £198,000 Aston Martin. The five-door DBX 707 SUV is not only a statement of style but also offers ample room for the family's newest member, expected to arrive in June.

A source close to the couple has shared with The Sun their joyous news: "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."

After his split from Lisa Armstrong, his wife of 23 years, Ant became public with his relationship with Anne-Marie in March 2018. The beloved Geordie presenter has been open about his desire to have children, expressing his concerns over possibly not becoming a father.

In a heartfelt revelation during a 2013 Radio Times interview, Ant discussed his and Lisa's struggles with fertility, saying: "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."

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.