Ant McPartlin called wife Lisa Armstrong to beg she signs divorce papers, according to reports.
The telly favourite, who is dating his own PA Anne Marie Corbett, reportedly called his estranged wife in LA and begged her to call an end to their marriage for good.
It is the first time they have spoken since the news broke of Ant’s new romance.
Sources close to Lisa say the make-up artist, who is in LA with her parents on a holiday, is taking time to grieve the marriage and won’t be rushed into agreeing a settlement.
According to reports Ant has offered his former pop star wife their £6million Chisick home – but she has hired a top law firm and isn’t budging yet.
A source told The Sun : “Ant called her last week and they spoke for the first time since the news about his relationship with Anne Marie came out.
“He begged her to hurry up with the divorce because he just wants to move on with his life. He is happy to give her what she wants, including the house, and to be very generous with a settlement.”
It comes as Ant, 41, was seen on a double date in Wimbledon with new girlfriend Anne-Marie, best pal Declan Donnelly and his pregnant wife Ali Astall – a move which is sure to grate on Lisa, who has known Dec for 23 years.
When news of Ant’s new relationship broke, Lisa lashed out online, claiming he gave her no prior warning and left her to find out through the media like everyone else.
And after 12 years of marriage and 24 years together, she hinted that she ‘doesn’t understand’ how everything came to such a sad end, liking a tweet which read, “Recently read Ant and Dec’s autobiography… just don’t understand how you were 100 per cent the love of his life and now this. Hugs and kisses x x strong woman.”
Mirror Online has contacted Ant for comment.