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Rose Hill & Aaron Morris

Declan Donnelly welcomes newborn son hailed as 'ray of light' following brother's death

Newcastle's Declan Donnelly has announced the birth of his newborn son with wife Ali Astall.

The Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity host has hailed his second child as a 'welcome ray of light' shortly following on from the death of his brother earlier this month.

He also went on to say that his eldest daughter, Isla, is 'beyond excited to be a big sister'.

Read more: 'A true inspiration' - Tributes paid to Dec's brother Father Dermott Donnelly after death aged 55

The news will also come as a huge surprise to most fans, as the couple had not announced that they were expecting a second child. Dec, 46, wrote on Twitter: "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."

The Mirror reports that fans rushed to social media to in-turn congratulate the presenter, with one tweeting: "NO WAY!!! did anyone know Ali was pregnant?!?!? My jaw is on the floor."

Another, commented: "A huge congratulations to both you and Ali, Dec!" while a third, wrote: "Congratulations Dec and Ali your children are going grow up like their parents. Dec I have a question What does it feel like being a farther I am so happy for you Dec. Please reply back Dec."

"Oh my goodness, these are the best news ever!! Huge congratulations to you and Ali, you deserve all the happiness in the world," another wrote.

This incredibly positive news comes just weeks following on from the tragic news that Dec's brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, had passed away aged 55. The beloved Geordie is said to have raced to his brother's side as he fell seriously ill.

Dermott, who officiated the TV star's 2015 wedding, is understood to have been rushed to North Durham's University Hospital with a suspected bleed on the brain following a collapse. Dec, 46, paid tribute to his beloved brother and said he was 'beyond devastated' in a tweet.

Father Dermott Donnelly, the Catholic priest brother of ITV star Declan Donnelly, who died aged 55 (PA)

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. We ask for the utmost privacy for the Donnelly family at this difficult time."

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