Ant McPartlin reveals adorable way he proposed to Anne-Marie Corbett

He popped the question in December

Author: Alex RossPublished 4th Feb 2021

Popular Geordie duo Ant and Dec are back on our TV screens with Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway later this month, and ahead of the new series Ant has been discussing his recent proposal to his partner Anne-Marie Corbett.

The lovely news of Ant's proposal broke over the Christmas break, and now the 45-year-old has revealed details about his romantic gesture for the first time.

Admitting he is 'romantic at heart', Ant told Digital Spy, "It was a lovely way to end the year. I'm a romantic at heart. You know, there were flowers and afternoon tea in front of the Christmas tree. Lovely. It was lovely."

However, although many will be thinking his long-term best friend Dec Donnelly would be Ant's number one choice for his best man, it sounds like it's not a done deal just yet.

Confirming Dec was a great best man for his marriage to his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong back in 2006, Ant said to the publication, "He (Dec) was very good last time. He has been my best man. I've been his best man. But I suppose it depends on what kind of wedding we have. There's been no plans."

Highlighting the amazing relationship the pair have, Dec then cheekily added, "I think it's between me and the dog!"

Ant first started dating publicist Anne-Marie in 2018 following the breakdown of his 11-year marriage with Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist Lisa Armstrong.

Check out these amazing Ant and Dec facts:

1. Ant and Dec become friends through football

Believe it or not the pair didn't get along at first but it was their joint love for football and in particular their local team Newcastle United that bonded the pair together.
According to reports, Ant invited Dec along to Newcastle's Boxing Day match in 1990 and the rest is history.

2. They were neighbours for a number of years

Not only do they work together but Ant and Dec used to live just three doors away from each other in West London! However, after Ant's split from his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, Ant bought a new £5 million home in South West London.


Despite this, Ant and Dec have holiday homes next door to each other in sunny Portugal.

3. They bet who would be the first to get married

When they were just 15, Ant and Dec bet £50 who would be the first to get married. Ant was forced to pay Dec the money when he tied the knot in 2006 to Lisa Armstrong.


Dec married Ali Astall in August 2015.


After his divorce from Lisa, Ant re-married in August 2021 when he tied the knot with his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett.

4. They have life insurance against each other

In the awful event that one of them dies, the other will receive a pay out as they both have life insurance against each other.

5. Ant and Dec bought the rights to Byker Grove

It was the show which kick-started their careers but Ant and Dec reportedly bought the rights to Byker Grove when the production company went bust. In 2023, the boys confirmed they are rebooting Byker Grove, acting as producers.

6. Ant and Dec have been sued before

The boys were sued by an American comedian (who also had the name Ant) for using his name during their time in America. Unsurprisingly the allegations of fraud were dismissed!

7. A huge amount of people mix Ant and Dec up

After a poll found that 70% of viewers were unable to tell the boys apart, Dec admitted standing in the same positions is a useful way to help out the public.


The pair now position themselves so that Ant is on the viewer's left, and Dec on the right.

8. Ant and Dec are music stars

Before they became the kings of presenting, Ant and Dec (AKA PJ and Duncan) enjoyed an extensive music career. The pair released sixteen singles and three album including their biggest hit to date 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'.

9. Ant and Dec hold a Guinness World Record

In 2019 the boys were rewarded with a Guinness World Record for the most National Television Awards for Best Presenter won consecutively.


In September 2024, Ant and Dec won Best Presenter at the NTAs for the 23rd consecutive year! It was never in doubt!

10. Ant and Dec both have an OBE

In 2017, both Ant and Dec received an OBE from Prince Charles for their services to broadcasting and entertainment. The boys collected their accolades at Buckingham Palace.

11. Ant and Dec have hosted The BRIT Awards

Ant and Dec first hosted The BRIT Awards way back in 2001, before making a return to the stage in both 2015 and 2016.

12. Ant and Dec are worth millions

Due to their phenomenal careers, it's reported that Ant and Dec's current net worth is estimated to be around £62 million each.
Lend us a tenner lads!

13. Ant and Dec both have phobias

Believe it or not, despite Ant and Dec hosting I'm A Celebrity in the Australian Jungle, both of them have phobias! Ant is scared of spiders and Dec is terrified of birds!

14. Ant and Dec have their name trademarked

Since 2003, the name 'Ant and Dec' has been trademarked in the UK in the category of 'Entertainment services'.

15. Ant and Dec are RELATED!

When taking part in their 2019 documentary Ant and Dec's DNA Journey, the boys discovered the are actually distant cousins!


The popular pair found out they share a S660 DNA marker, meaning they are related in an incredibly distant way.

16. Ant and Dec are REBOOTING Byker Grove

In July 2023, Ant and Dec (or should we say PJ and Duncan) announced they were rebooting series Byker Grove, which originally aired between 1989-2006! The pair confirmed they would be Executive Producers on the show.

17. Ant and Dec are both proud dads

Dec is a proud dad to his two children, daughter Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly and son Jack Anthony Alphonsus. Meanwhile, in May 2024, Ant become a father for the first time when his wife Anne-Marie gave birth to a baby boy called Wilder Patrick McPartlin.

Meanwhile, Ant and Dec fans were thrilled last month when the boys confirmed the 2021 series of Saturday Night Takeaway would be returning in February.

The new trailer released in January shows the boys getting into various outfits for their big Saturday night show, with Ant and Dec writing, 'The happiest ninety minutes of the week is back this February! 🎈Who’s ready for the non-stop show show to be back on your telly? 📺 🙌 @itvtakeaway'. (sic)

ITV are yet to confirm an exact release date, but we expect it will arrive at the end of the month.

Now read:

Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway will return in February

Ant and Dec's complete career timeline: From Byker Grove to I'm A Celeb!

The best comfort TV boxsets to get your through lockdown

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