He’s the cheeky Geordie lad who’s made us laugh for decades alongside best mate Dec Donnelly – but behind the grins, Ant McPartlin is facing the toughest challenge of his life: months away from his beloved wife Anne-Marie and their adorable baby son Wilder while filming I’m A Celebrity in the Australian jungle.

At 50, the nation’s favourite presenter is reportedly ‘in bits’ over the heart-wrenching separation, with pals whispering he’s seriously mulling ‘early retirement’ or slashing his workload to embrace full-time fatherhood as a proper ‘daddy milk’ – bottle-feeding, nappy changes and all.

Sources close to the star reveal the psychological strain is ‘immense’ – waking at dawn for live shows, thousands of miles from home, missing those precious firsts with seven-month-old Wilder Patrick, born in May 2024.

‘It’s killing him,’ one insider spilled. ‘Ant’s always been a workhorse, but becoming a dad at 48 has flipped everything. He’s emotional, homesick, and questioning if the glamour’s worth missing bedtimes and cuddles.’

This year’s series – the blockbuster 25th – saw Ant jet off solo initially, leaving Anne-Marie, 47, and little Wilder in their £6m Wimbledon mansion. Reports claimed he was ‘really emotional’, fearing the time difference would wreck FaceTimes.

But in a heartwarming twist, Anne-Marie and Wilder flew out mid-series, joining Ant for coffee dates in sunny Cabarita and beach strolls – a lifeline that had him beaming.

Yet even with family nearby temporarily, the gruelling schedule – early calls, late wraps amid bush tucker trials – takes its toll. Ant’s confessed to being ‘a mess’ since Wilder’s birth, inking a family tree tattoo with Anne-Marie, stepdaughters Daisy and Poppy, and the bub.

Now, whispers swirl he’s pondering stepping back. After pausing Saturday Night Takeaway last year for ‘family time’, insiders say fatherhood’s amplified that urge.

‘He’s not quitting tomorrow,’ a pal clarified, ‘but reducing commitments? Absolutely on the table. He wants to be hands-on – no more months away while Wilder’s growing.’

Rumours have even swirled about health niggles adding pressure – perhaps a bout of illness for little Wilder forcing Ant’s hand – though nothing’s confirmed. Fans speculate the distance exacerbated worries, pushing him towards prioritising home.

Ant’s journey to daddy bliss wasn’t easy. After fertility struggles and past battles with addiction, welcoming Wilder was ‘life-changing’. He gushed: ‘Mummy’s a legend… Dad’s a mess!’

On-screen, Ant’s the ultimate pro – bantering with Dec, giggling through gross trials. But off-camera? Tears and tough calls.

Dec, dad to Isla and Jack, understands – often bringing his brood Down Under. This year, Ant followed suit, craving those family moments amid the chaos.

As the series wrapped, the McPartlins jetted home together, Ant cradling Wilder protectively at Heathrow – pure bliss after weeks of strain.

But with Britain’s Got Talent looming and more projects, the big question looms: How much longer can Ant juggle jungle marathons with nappy duty?

Fans are torn. One X user wrote: ‘Ant deserves family time – let him retire gracefully!’ Another: ‘Nooo, we need Ant & Dec forever!’

Whatever he chooses, one thing’s clear: This doting dad’s heart is firmly at home.

In a world of fleeting fame, Ant’s proving some things matter more than ratings – and that’s downright inspiring.