Meaning behind Ant McPartlin's tattoos revealed
With I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! returning to screens, many viewers have once again turned their attention to Ant McPartlin — not just for his effortless chemistry with co-host Declan Donnelly, but also for his growing collection of meaningful tattoos. Over the last several years, Ant has quietly built a catalogue of body art that reflects major turning points in his personal life, from battles with addiction to moments of healing, family milestones, and artistic tributes. Each design serves as a visual diary documenting how far he has come.


Ant has a large rose on his left forearm, which apparently symbolises hope and new beginnings(ITV)

Ant debuted his large John Lennon tribute ink in 2022(Copyright (c) 2022 Shutterstock. No use without permission.)

Ant, one of Britain’s most recognisable presenters, experienced a major life transformation earlier this year when he became a father for the first time at age 50. In May 2024, he and his wife Anne-Marie welcomed their son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin. When Ant announced the birth, fans immediately noticed the striking family-tree tattoo etched along his upper arm — a bold, detailed tree symbolising the layers of people and relationships that shape his life. The tattoo includes the names of his wife, stepdaughters, and beloved pets, reinforcing its role as a deeply personal tribute.

Fans think that the symbol on Ant's wrist is a version of the AA design(ITV)

Over time, Ant has revealed several tattoos, each one unveiling another chapter. Some are subtle, others bold, but nearly all hold a symbolic meaning that connects to his journey through addiction recovery, personal growth, love, and creativity.

Arrow and rose tattoos

Two of Ant’s most recognisable designs sit on his forearms: an arrow on the right and a rose on the left. Both are easily spotted whenever he crosses his arms on camera. The arrow, which he debuted in 2019, represents a forward-moving direction — a symbol of progress and resilience after difficult years. Though Ant has kept much of its meaning private, he has said that the message behind it is “very positive.”

In one of the smaller tattoos, S is believed to stand for sober(E/WILL/MARK/VANTAGENEWS.COM)

On his left arm, a rose sits opposite the arrow. Traditionally symbolising renewal and hope, the rose reflects Ant’s belief in new beginnings, something that resonates strongly considering how openly he has spoken about rebuilding his life.

Tribute to John Lennon

During the 2022 season of I’m A Celeb, viewers noticed a new tattoo: a circular mosaic design referencing John Lennon’s iconic song Imagine. The tattoo mirrors the famous mosaic memorial in New York’s Strawberry Fields, and the word “Imagine” can be seen at its centre. The piece highlights Ant’s appreciation for Lennon’s message of peace and creativity, making it one of his most artistic tattoos to date.

The Alcoholics Anonymous symbol

One of Ant’s most meaningful tattoos is the simplified Alcoholics Anonymous symbol on his left wrist — a triangle encased in a circle. While the official AA symbol includes the words “unity, service, recovery,” Ant’s version omits the text but preserves the core shape. He first displayed the tattoo in 2018, not long after completing rehabilitation for alcohol addiction. Ant has explained that the tattoo represents the values guiding his recovery and his commitment to living with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Ant payed homage to Anne-Marie and his family with one of his biggest inkings(GETTY)

He also carries additional sobriety-themed markings, including the letters “S” and “H” on his right wrist. Although the meaning of “H” remains unknown, “S” has been confirmed to stand for “sober.” These subtle reminders echo his dedication to staying on track.

A heartfelt tribute to Anne-Marie

In 2021, Ant honoured his wife Anne-Marie Corbett with a delicate yet powerful tattoo: the letter “A” encased within a heart on his chest. He has often spoken about the vital role Anne-Marie has played in his recovery, calling her support instrumental in helping him rebuild his life after some of his darkest periods.

Ant also has three stars tattooed near his left wrist, though the symbolism behind them has never been publicly explained — adding a touch of mystery to his otherwise expressive collection.

The family-tree tattoo

When Ant posted the first photo of baby Wilder, fans immediately fixated on the large tree tattoo on his arm. The intricate design includes the names of his wife (“Amzie”), his stepdaughters Daisy and Poppy, and his two dogs Milo and Bumble. Some fans expressed concern that Hurley — the dog he shares with ex-wife Lisa Armstrong — was missing. Ant quickly clarified that Hurley is on the tattoo but was simply hidden in the photo by his newborn son’s head. He reassured fans with a light-hearted response, emphasising how much Hurley still means to him.

Ant showed off a large family tree tattoo as he announced the birth of his son, Wilder Patrick(antanddec/Instagram)

Together, Ant’s tattoos paint a rich portrait of a man who has weathered storms, embraced healing, and found joy, family, sobriety, and creativity on the other side. His body art isn’t just decoration — it’s a map of his journey, one inked line at a time.

---

Sources (as required):
(ITV, Instagram, OK! Magazine, The Sun)