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Simon Meechan

Dec Donnelly's new son shares names with best mate Ant and late father

Declan Donnelly and wife Ali Astall have announced the birth of their son, Jack, whose full name includes nods to Dec's father and his best mate.

Baby Jack Donnelly's middle names are Anthony and Alphonsus. That means Jack shares names with Dec's friend and co-presenter, Ant McPartlin, and Dec's late father, Alphonsus.

Announcing the birth, Dec posted from the Ant ant Dec Twitter account on Sunday evening. He 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.

Read more: Declan Donnelly welcomes newborn son as a 'ray of light'

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

Declan and Ali married in 2015. Ali gave birth to their daughter, Isla Elizabeth Anne, in 2018.

Tragically, Dec lost his older brother earlier this month, Father Dermott Donnelly, a Hexham and Newcastle Diocese Catholic priest who worked for 30 years in the North East. Shortly before his death, Fr Dermott celebrated his 30th anniversary of service to his parish and community, where he was best known for his work with young people and youth ministry.

Dec's dad, Alphonsus - who moved to Newcastle from Northern Ireland in the 1950s with Dec's mother, Anne - died in 2011.

"Congratulations to you, Ali and Isla! I’m sure your brother is watching with so much love for you all. I bet Ant is so moved by you giving your son his name. Much love to you all," wrote a fan on Twitter.

"The fact he’s named his son after his best mate and his dad makes my heart melt," said another.

A number of famous faces left messages of congratulations and well wishes under the Instagram post, including Love Island host Laura Whitmore, who wrote: “Delighted for you both! Congrats xx” with a red heart emoji.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver added: “Congratulations to you all xxxxx”

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