Ant McPartlin, the television star, has broken his silence following the announcement of the birth of his first child with his wife, Anne-Marie. Amidst the joyous news, Ant addressed fans’ concerns regarding a tattoo that seemingly omitted his beloved dog, Hurley.
Taking to X, Ant expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and well wishes he received after sharing the news of his son, Wilder’s arrival. He reassured fans that Hurley was indeed included in the family tribute tattoo, explaining that the dog’s name was obscured by the newborn in the design.
Ant’s message read, “Hey all, I just wanted to say thank You so much for the kind messages of love and well wishes for our baby Wilder. He’s doing great. Glad you loved the tattoo as well. For all you dog lovers who asked why my beloved Hurley wasn’t on the family tree..he was!! He was just covered by our newborn. All my love, gratitude and heartfelt thanks A.”
The presenter also shared a photograph showcasing the complete tattoo on his shoulder, revealing Hurley’s name within the intricate design.
Ant’s clarification comes amidst reports of a custody battle over Hurley between him and his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong. Lisa, who shares joint custody of the Labrador with Ant, is reportedly seeking sole possession of the pet following the birth of Ant’s son with Anne-Marie.
The couple’s divorce in 2018 led to a shared custody agreement for Hurley, with arrangements made to avoid direct contact between Ant and Lisa. However, reports suggest that Lisa is adamant about securing full custody of Hurley, whom she considers more than just a pet but a constant source of support.
Ant’s journey to fatherhood has been widely celebrated, with friends and fans offering their congratulations. The news marks a significant milestone for Ant, who openly expressed his desire for children in past interviews. His joy at becoming a father, particularly at this stage in his life, reflects a newfound sense of fulfilment and happiness.
As Ant and Anne-Marie embark on this new chapter of parenthood, they are met with an outpouring of love and support from well-wishers, eager to share in their joyous journey.
The revelations come shortly after Ant and Anne-Marie announced the birth of their son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, on social media. Ant expressed his delight at becoming a father, describing the newborn as “beautiful” and his wife as a “legend,” while acknowledging his own emotional state as “a mess.”
