Declan Donnelly and wife Ali Astall announce birth of baby boy

Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall have announced the birth of their ‘wonderful’ second child.

Donnelly, who is one half of the Geordie presenting duo Ant and Dec, shared the news across the pair’s shared social media last night.

Alongside a photo of his son’s hand wrapped around one of his fingers, the forty-six-year-old wrote: “Shortly before 10am yesterday, 23.7.2022, Ali and I welcomed the arrival of our son, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, a very welcome ray of light.

“He is wonderful and Isla is beyond excited to be a big sister! D x”

Donnelly and his wife also share a daughter, Isla Elizabeth Anne, who was born in 2018.

A number of famous faces left messages of congratulations on the post, including Newcastle and England football star Alan Shearer, who wrote: “Congratulations man.”

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver added: “Congratulations to you all xxxxx”, while Cat Deeley, who presented SMTV with Ant and Dec in the late 1990s said: “That is wonderful news! Congratulations …. Sending love.”

Love Island host Laura Whitmore also wrote: “Delighted for you both! Congrats xx”.

The birth comes just weeks after the death of Donnelly’s older brother Father Dermott, who passed away after a short illness earlier this year. 

Father Dermott, a Catholic Priest, conducted his brother’s wedding ceremony to Ali in 2015, and he was best know for his work with young people and the youth ministry.

Donnelly wrote on Twitter at the time of his death: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon.

“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated DD.”