Ant McPartlin, one half of the beloved British TV duo Ant and Dec, has become as well-known for his personal struggles and recovery as he has for his television career. His tattoos, often glimpsed during his appearances on shows like “I’m A Celebrity,” tell a story of personal significance, marking his journey through recovery, his love for his family, and his tributes to influential figures in his life.
The Symbols of Recovery
Ant’s tattoos are a testament to his journey through addiction and recovery. The most prominent of these is the symbol that resembles the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) logo, a circle with a triangle in the center. This symbol is traditionally understood to represent the three facets of addiction – physical, mental, and spiritual – and the three parts of the solution – unity, recovery, and service. Ant’s version of the tattoo omits the words but maintains the powerful symbolism, reflecting his commitment to living positively and being of service to others
The ‘S&H’ tattoo on his wrist is another nod to his sobriety, with the ‘S’ confirmed to stand for ‘sober’. The meaning of ‘H’ remains a mystery, but it’s clear that these initials hold personal significance to Ant’s recovery journey.
Tributes to Love and Family
Ant’s tattoos also reflect the love he has for his family. The ‘A’ tattooed over his heart is a touching tribute to his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, symbolizing his love and gratitude for her support during his “lowest depths”. The couple’s recent announcement of the birth of their son has added another layer of meaning to Ant’s body art. The family tree tattoo, with names including ‘Amzy’ for Anne-Marie, ‘Daisy’ and ‘Poppy’ for his step-daughters, and ‘Bumble’ and ‘Milo’ for the family dogs, is a heartwarming celebration of his family. This tattoo is a visual representation of the roots and branches of his life, symbolizing growth, strength, and connection.
Artistic Homages
Ant’s forearm features a striking tribute to John Lennon, with the word ‘Imagine’ at its center, a nod to Lennon’s iconic song and his influence on Ant’s life. The tattoo mirrors the Strawberry Fields memorial mosaic in New York, a place of pilgrimage for Lennon fans and a symbol of peace and imagination
Symbols of Progress and Hope
The arrow on Ant’s right forearm is thought to represent moving forward in a positive direction, a fitting metaphor for his journey through recovery and personal growth. The large rose on his left forearm, along with the three stars near his left wrist, are less clearly defined in their meaning but are believed to symbolize hope and new beginnings
Ant McPartlin’s tattoos are more than just body art; they are a visual diary of his life’s most significant moments and the values he holds dear. They tell a story of struggle, recovery, love, and family, offering a glimpse into the heart of one of Britain’s most beloved television personalities. As Ant continues to navigate the challenges and joys of life, his tattoos will undoubtedly evolve, each new addition marking another chapter in his remarkable journey.