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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Sami Quadri

Declan Donnelly announces birth of baby boy with partner Ali Astall

Declan Donnelly has announced the arrival of his second child with wife Ali Astall.

The TV star, 46, announced the birth of son Jack Anthony Alphonsus – with middle names honouring both his long-time co-host and his late father– after his birth on Saturday.

It is thought baby Jack has been given the middle name Anthony in honour of the Geordie presenter’s TV sidekick Ant McPartlin.

Dec and Ali - his former manager whom he married in 2015 - shared the happy news on social media, with a picture showing their newborn son’s hand wrapped around one of his dad’s fingers.

Dec 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.”

Dec and Ali at their wedding in 2015 (PA Archive)

Alphonsus was the name of Dec’s father, who moved to Newcastle from Ireland with wife Anne in 1958.

The dad-of-seven died in 2011 aged 78 after a cancer battle.

Earlier this month, Dec lost his brother, Catholic priest Father Dermott, 55, who collapsed in church following a short illness.

Dec said he was "heartbroken" and "beyond devastated" following the tragic loss.

Ant McPartlin, with Declan Donnelly (right), arriving at St Michael’s church, Heckfield (Kirsty O’Connor/PA) (PA Wire)

Celebrities congratulated Dec and Ali on their new arrival. Chef Jamie Oliver wrote: "Congratulations to you all."

Love Island host Laura Whitmore posted a red heart emoji and wrote: "Delighted for you both! Congrats."

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