A lorry full of flowers and vans were seen arriving in the sleepy Hampshire village where Ant McPartlin is marrying fiancée Anne-Marie Corbett this weekend.
A loading truck containing temporary fencing was seen parking up and creating barriers in the surrounding areas of the venue ahead of the arrival of some of the biggest stars on UK television.
Following on from the fencing, the lorry-full of flowers arrived complete with stunning hydrangeas, roses and much more in pretty pastels and greens. Staff delivering unloaded at least eight large containers of flowers.
It comes after insiders told The Sun: ‘Neither of them want the razzmatazz of a showbiz wedding’, and insisted the day will be ‘simple and beautiful’.
Wow: A lorry full of flowers and vans were seen arriving in the sleepy Hampshire village where Ant McPartlin is marrying fiancée Anne-Marie Corbett this weekend
Villagers were looking forward to seeing the couple as well as a host of their celebrity friends. Mum of three Janice Collete said:’ As soon as people heard there were barriers going up at the church we sort of guessed that it was going to be a big wedding. I am sure many people will come out to see and wish them the best.’
Just one day before it was revealed that a ring of steel has been placed around the quaint village church in Hampshire where the couple are to exchange wows ahead of the lavish reception at a nearby Georgian stately home-turned hotel.
Huge trucks have been spotted entering the grand estate where a large white marquee has been pictured on the grounds ready to host 100 guests, including Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield, Stephen Mulhern and Ant’s Best Man and TV sidekick, Declan Donnelly.
The star-studded guest-list, as well as close friends and family, will be put up in £1,000 a night rooms and encouraged to use the hotel’s spa facilities – and send the bill to Ant and Anne-Marie’s honeymoon suite.
A source said: ‘Ant and Anne-Marie hoped to get married abroad but this is the next best thing. The wedding reception is located away from prying eyes and set in beautiful surroundings.
Wedding bells: It comes after insiders told The Sun: ‘Neither of them want the razzmatazz of a showbiz wedding’, and insisted the day will be ‘simple and beautiful'(pictured in 2018)
Working hard: Stars would be contained within the temporary fencing
Wow! The flower arrangements comprised hydrangeas and roses in purple, pink and green hues
‘It will also have the feel of a traditional wedding, which suits both parties as they are very down to earth people. ‘They can’t wait to finally get hitched.’
The source also told MailOnline, the couple were so desperate to keep the location underwraps, guests were only made aware of the date in their invitations – with the venue disclosed nearer the time.
Ant, 45, proposed to Anne-Marie, 43, on Christmas Eve having dated since March 2018.
Hard at it: They moved it around as they got to work
All star: As well as the temporary fencing, red carpet-esque red robes were being brought in
Stunning: The flowers comprised hydrangeas and roses in stunning pink and purple hues
During the last series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here last December, the Geordie gushed over his fiancée, saying his perfect night in was with Anne-Marie and her two children from her previous marriage.
Ant is reportedly spending £100,000 on hotel bills to ensure the couple’s guests enjoy the wedding, which will take place over two days – starting this Friday.
The Mail on Sunday reported the TV veteran has told them to send him their spa bills, which include £100 manicures, to his £5,000 per night honeymoon suite.
All prepared: Florists were getting ready to compile the arrangements
Out and about: Anne-Marie enjoyed a day of retail therapy as she went lingerie shopping in Wimbledon
Day out: Ant (centre) enjoyed a round of golf alongside his presenter pal Declan (left) and another friend (right) on Tuesday ahead of his wedding to fiancée Anne-Marie
The couple’s choice of reception venue appeals to celebrities due to its walled gardens offering privacy to guests.
The hotel is also situated several 100 yards away from its entrance, meaning onlookers situated outside a heavy security presence will be unable to catch a glimpse of celebrations.
The spacious grounds also boast ancient woodlands, tranquil gardens and a beautiful lake, offering the perfect backdrop to wedding pictures.
Ring: It’s believed Ant designed Anne-Marie’s engagement ring himself – paying up to £200,000 for the rock
Floral fancy! The colours were a girly blend of pretty pastels
Ant was this week pictured playing golf with Saturday Night Takeaway co-host Dec as part of the build-up to this weekend’s nuptials.
The presenting duo, both dressed in navy blue, were seen high-fiving and celebrating after some particularly impressive shots. Dec, 45, was also Ant’s Best Man at his first marriage to former wife Lisa Armstrong in 2006.
Ant and Lisa confirmed their divorce in January this year after ending their 11-year marriage in 2017. Ant worked with Anne-Marie for several years before they started dating.
Working hard: The men were working on improving their surroundings
The former PA was employed for the same London-based management company as Ali Astall, Dec’s wife, for a decade, however she only began working closely with Ant since 2017.
Anne-Marie, who split with ex-husband Scott in October that year, helped Ant recover from his ‘lowest depths’ after a spate of personal problems, culminating with a drink-driving charge in 2018.
Lisa Armstrong continues to enjoy a holiday with her new man James Green as her ex-husband Ant McPartlin gears up to marry Anne-Marie Corbett at a £1k-per-night Hampshire hotel this weekend