Simon Cowell stopped tonight’s live episode of Britain’s Got Talent to issue a message to Ant McPartlin.

As the first live show of the series kicked off tonight, hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly welcomed viewers to the live semi-finals and reminded viewers that they were live for the first time this series, as the auditions are pre-recorded.

The pair went to chat to the judges, including Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli, but Simon stopped them for a moment to send a sweet message to Ant – who has just become a father for the first time.

Ant and his wife Anne-Marie welcomed baby Wilder into the world only a few days ago, and he was quick to take to social media at the time to thank fans for their support and well-wishes over the happy news.

Announcing the news, he wrote: “Welcome to the family. Wilder Patrick Mcpartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!”

Ant and Dec

Ant was left touched by Simon’s gesture ( 

Image:

ITV)

He later added, explaining the missing name on the tattoo: “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.”

Tonight, Simon sent his well-wishes to Ant and praised him for welcoming such an adorable baby boy into the world. Ant was grateful for Simon’s comments, as the live audience cheered to show their own congratulations for Ant after his family news.

After the news of Wilder’s arrival was revealed, his friends took to social media to share their congratulations. Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, who said: “Awwwww darling I’m so happy for you both! Baby shares the same birthday as my mummy! Can’t wait to meet buba and to celebrate soon! Love you both.”

Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby shared: “Congratulations… welcome to the world Wilder… such beautiful news…” This Morning host Cat Deeley added: “Amazing ! What wonderful news …. Congratulations.” Britain’s Got Talent co-star Amanda Holden gushed: “Oh my gosh, this is just the most amazing news. Congratulations.”

His fellow TV presenter, Davina McCall, penned: “Arggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!! This is AMAZING !!!! Congratulations to ALL of you.” First Dates star Fred Sirieix wrote: “Congrats.” Ashley Banjo added: “Congrats guys,” while Joel Dommett chimed in: “I LOVE THIS.”