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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Declan Donnelly congratulated by celeb pals as he announces baby son's birth after tragedy

Declan Donnelly has been flooded with congratulations from his celeb pals after announcing the happy news of his baby son's birth.

The 46 year old shared the happy news that wife Ali Astall had given birth to their second child Jack Anthony Alphonsus, hailing him as a "ray of light" just weeks after his brother's death.

Sharing a picture of a tiny hand clutching his finger, 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. He is wonderful and Isla is beyond excited to be a big sister! D x."

Among those to congratulate him was Fearne Cotton, who wrote: "love you guys. So happy for you. Cannot wait to meet little Jack."

While Scarlett Moffatt commented: "Congratulations. Delighted for you all love the moffatts xx."

Dec Donnelly and Ali Astall announced the birth of their son (PA)

While Laura Whitmore gushed: "Delighted for you both! Congrats."

Dec's former SM:TV co-star Cat Deeley wrote: "That is wonderful news ! Congratulations …. Sending love."

It comes just weeks after Dec shared the heartbreaking news of his brother Father Dermott Donnelly's death at 55 years old.

Dec and Ali with Ant and Anne-Marie (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

The TV star is said to have raced to his brother's side after he fell seriously ill.

Dec's 55-year-old sibling, who officiated the TV star's wedding in 2015, is understood to have been rushed to University Hospital of North Durham with a suspected bleed on the brain after he collapsed.

Dec, 46, paid tribute to his beloved brother and said he was "beyond devastated" in a tweet.

Ant and Dec with Dec's late brother Dermott (Chronicle Live)

It read: "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."

Father Dermott was understood to have been a priest for 30 years.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Dec told the Mirror: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital surrounded by his family and close friends."

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