Ant McPartlin's Surrey Relocation Creates Significant Distance from Declan Donnelly
Television personality Ant McPartlin has reportedly created substantial geographical separation from his longtime presenting partner Declan Donnelly following a significant property purchase. The popular entertainer has invested approximately £10 million in acquiring a newly constructed mansion within a Surrey village, situated approximately 40 miles from Donnelly's residence.
Neighbourhood Dispute Precipitates Major Move
This substantial relocation follows a prolonged planning disagreement with neighbours at McPartlin's previous Wimbledon property. Local residents had raised objections regarding proposed tree removal within the garden area, despite McPartlin having obtained council permission for the work last February. The trees in question were protected under a Tree Preservation Order, creating considerable local controversy.
One neighbour formally objected to the decision, stating there appeared to be "no justification" provided beyond the applicant's desire for garden re-landscaping. This ongoing dispute reportedly contributed to McPartlin's decision to seek alternative accommodation away from the capital.
Changing Dynamics in a Decades-Long Partnership
The geographical separation represents a notable shift for the presenting duo, who have maintained close residential proximity throughout their careers. The pair initially shared accommodation as teenagers upon moving to London and subsequently became neighbours in Chiswick before McPartlin's 2018 relocation to Wimbledon.
Donnelly recently acknowledged their changing relationship dynamic during their podcast Hanging Out with Ant and Dec, explaining that parenting responsibilities and geographical distance have reduced their social interactions. "We're now dads to very small children...the little ones especially take up a lot of time and effort and energy," Donnelly stated. "Ant's moved house now, geographically we're further away from each other than we've ever been."
Revealing Insights into Their Professional Relationship
During recent podcast recordings, the duo disclosed they have experienced only one significant argument throughout their thirty-seven-year partnership. This conflict reportedly occurred during a board game adaptation of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, with Donnelly describing McPartlin as "vindictive as a game show host" during the disagreement.
McPartlin recounted the incident, stating: "Dec packed up the board game and went home - like a child." Donnelly responded humorously: "It was my board game so I took it home because you were a d**k." The pair confirmed they haven't played the game since this altercation.
New Beginnings in Surrey
Local sources indicate McPartlin's property acquisition represents a record sale for the Surrey area. One resident informed media outlets: "Apparently, it is a record sale for the area and it's all anyone is gossiping about. It is one of the prime private estates in an acre of grounds so he shouldn't have trouble with the neighbours any more."
The substantial property features extensive grounds within a private estate, potentially offering greater privacy following the previous neighbourhood difficulties. McPartlin will be sharing the residence with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett and their infant son Wilder, alongside co-parenting Corbett's two teenage daughters from a previous relationship.
Maintaining Connection Through Digital Platforms
Despite the increased physical distance, the presenting partners have launched their podcast specifically to maintain their connection. Donnelly explained the motivation behind the project, stating their podcast creation was prompted by recognizing they weren't spending sufficient time together.
The weekly podcast releases new episodes every Thursday across multiple platforms including Spotify and Belta Box, providing regular content for their substantial fanbase while accommodating their changed personal circumstances and geographical separation.
