Declan Donnelly And Wife Ali Astall Have Welcomed A Baby Boy

Declan Donnelly has confirmed his wife Ali Astall has given birth to a baby boy.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the TV host revealed his newborn's name is a tribute to his father, Alphonsus Donnelly, as well as a potential nod to his longtime mate Ant McPartlin.

“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 said on social media.

“He is wonderful and Isla is beyond excited to be a big sister!"

Dec and Ali already have a near four-year-old daughter named Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly.

The news comes just a few weeks after Dec's brother tragically passed away.

Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest in the north east of England, died at the age of 55.

He had recently enjoyed celebrating the 30th anniversary of service with his parish and community, and in 2015 he had presided over the wedding of his brother to Ali Astall in Newcastle.

Declan revealed on Twitter that his older brother's death was absolutely soul-crushing.

“I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon," he revealed.

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

Hexham and Newcastle Bishop Robert Byrne also released a statement saying how Dermott will leave a large gap: “He will be sorely missed for his energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage with all who met him”.

The bishop added: “This is particularly true in his work with young people and youth ministry in the Diocese – bringing many disadvantaged and dispirited young people to Christ.

“He truly lived his faith, and in doing so gave so much to others.

“It is with great gratitude that we will remember him and all he selflessly gave.

“Our prayers and condolences should go out to those who will be grieving so strongly at this moment.”

The brothers had often been seen together, with Dermott frequently visiting Dec’s shows with his co-presenter Anthony McPartlin. 

Earlier this year, Dermott attended 10 Downing Street where he visited Boris Johnson alongside other religious leaders to pray for peace in war-torn Ukraine.

Dermott said at the time: “It was a real privilege to join Christian leaders from across many churches at Downing Street and to stand together in prayer, the silence was so profound. 

“It was a moment when the power of vulnerability encountered the vulnerability of power. The best weapon we had was prayer.”