Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall have welcomed their second child together.
(Picture: Getty Images)Declan Donnelly, half of presenting duo Ant and Dec, has welcomed his second child with his wife Ali Astall.
In an Instagram post announcing the birth of his son, Dec, 46, said: "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."
Jack’s middle name, Anthony, is a sweet tribute to Dec’s long-time co-presenter and friend, Anthony McPartlin, while Alphonsus was the name of Dec’s father, who died in 2011.
Dec tends to keep his personal and family life mostly private, but often shares major life updates with his fans on social media. This is what we know about his wife Ali Astall and their family.
Who is Dec’s wife, Ali Astall?
Ali Astall, 43, was born in Newcastle, Australia. She works as a talent manager, and was Dec’s manager for more than ten years, before they began dating.
When they first got together, Dec admitted it was “a little strange” because they had worked together for so long, but said: "It’s going good. Everything’s hunky-dory."
The couple got together in 2014, and got married a year later, in 2015. They got married in Newcastle, England, and Ant was Dec’s best man, while Dec’s brother, Father Dermott Donnelly–who died earlier this month–conducted the ceremony.
Celebrity guests included Phillip Schofield, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly, and Keith Lemon.
He shared a photo from the wedding on their second anniversary, saying: “Thank you for all the anniversary wishes. Me and Mrs D appreciate them. Can’t believe this was two years ago today.”
Thank you for all the anniversary wishes. Me and Mrs D appreciate them 😊 Can't believe this was 2 years ago today. Big ❤️ D x pic.twitter.com/VdbwXjrcsa
— antanddec (@antanddec) August 1, 2017
In 2019, Dec celebrated he and Ali’s fourth wedding anniversary with a photo of them cutting their wedding cake.
He said: “Thanks so much for all the lovely anniversary messages, four years today and we’ve shared it with our beautiful baby girl for the first time today. Very grateful this evening.”
Thanks so much for all the lovely anniversary messages, 4 years today and we’ve shared it with our beautiful baby girl for the first time today. Very grateful this evening. D x pic.twitter.com/YURSx5gpLU
— antanddec (@antanddec) August 1, 2019
Dec and Ali’s first child, a daughter named Isla Elizabeth Anne, was born on September 1, 2018. Their son Jack is their second child together.
His middle names honour co-presenter Ant and Dec’s late father Alphonsus.
But Dec’s announcement describing his son “a very welcome ray of light” may refer to the loss of Dec’s older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, who died age 55 on July 8.
When announcing the death of his brother on social media, Dec said: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.”
Ant also paid tribute to Dec’s brother and said: “Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. The world has lost a special man.”
