Ant and Dec surprised pupils and staff at a primary school last week to help the children with a lesson on financial education.
The visit – which took place last Tuesday – was no doubt particularly exciting for Ant McPartlin because he was gearing up to become a father for the first time.
A week after helping out with the primary school children, he welcomed son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, with his wife Anne-Marie.
The TV duo began their day at St Michael’s Primary School in Southfields, south London, by delivering breakfast baskets to the staff room.
The surprises continued as they popped into a year five classroom during a financial education lesson, sparking excitement among the students.
Ant and Dec surprised pupils and staff at a primary school last week to help the children with a lesson on financial education
A week after helping out with the primary school children, Ant welcomed son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, with his wife Anne-Marie
Ant and Declan Donnelly, both 48 and Santander ambassadors, engaged the class with lively questions and even started a humorous debate about who the better saver was.
The visit culminated in an energetic interruption of the school assembly, attended by over 400 pupils and staff members.
Alongside Ant and Dec, Mike Regnier, Santander UK’s CEO, commended the school’s commitment to financial literacy, emphasising its importance.
The day ended on a high note with the presenting pair capturing a memorable selfie with the entire school.
And the event marked the one-year anniversary of the Financial Education Recognition Scheme launched by the bank in partnership with educational publisher, Twinkl.
St Michael’s was one of the first schools to sign up to the scheme, which calls on schools to commit to teaching pupils a minimum of six hours of financial education each academic year – to help them grow into financially confident adults and ease anxiety about money.
Ant said: ‘Today was a lot of fun. Seeing the kids so engaged in their financial education lessons really brought home how important this learning is.
‘The enthusiasm and smart questions from the pupils made our day.’
Dec said: ‘Engaging with the kids and teachers at St Michael’s, answering their curious questions, and seeing the impact of an early financial education was all so rewarding.’
The TV duo began their day at St Michael’s Primary School in Southfields, south London, by delivering breakfast baskets to the staff room (pictured with Mike Regnier, Santander UK CEO)
The surprises continued as they popped into a year five classroom during a financial education lesson, sparking excitement among the students
Days after the visit, Ant welcomed his baby boy with Anne-Marie and was quick to make best friend Dec the godfather.
The Geordie duo have worked together and been friends for 30 years – starring as presenters on shows such as Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
Ant shared a Instagram snap sweetly cradling his baby boy on Tuesday, writing: ‘Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!’
The baby is Ant’s first while Anne-Marie has two children, Poppy, and Daisy, from her previous marriage, with a source saying the pair feel like their family is now ‘complete’.
Wilder’s middle name Patrick is thought to be a tribute to Anne-Marie’s late dad Paddy. Anne-Marie also made sure her beloved dad was part of her wedding day in 2021
The publication also reports that Ant will now not return to work until May 27 when the BGT live semis begin as he takes some paternity leave.
And a source said of his happiness at becoming a dad: ‘Ant and Anne-Marie are beyond thrilled — their little family is complete.
‘They’ve been overwhelmed with lovely messages from friends, family and fans and are still wading through them. They are incredibly grateful to everyone.
‘They chose the name, Wilder, a while ago but have deliberately kept it a closely guarded secret. They are going to be absolutely wonderful, doting parents and Ant cannot wait to be a hands-on dad, changing the nappies and just spending time with little Wilder.’
Patrick is thought to be a tribute to Anne-Marie’s late dad Paddy. Anne-Marie also made sure her beloved dad was part of her wedding day in 2021