Declan Donnelly, the beloved television presenter and one half of the iconic Ant and Dec duo, has given fans a rare glimpse into his family life with the unveiling of a breathtaking nursery for his third child. Known for his charm on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, Donnelly has kept his personal life relatively private, making this reveal all the more special. The nursery, described by fans as “straight out of a fairytale,” features whimsical decor that has sparked awe and admiration across social media. As Donnelly and his wife, Ali Astall, prepare to welcome their third child in 2025, this magical space has become a talking point, highlighting the couple’s creativity and love for their growing family. This article explores the enchanting details of the nursery, Donnelly’s journey as a father, and the broader resonance of this heartwarming moment, delving into why it has captured the public’s imagination.
A Fairytale Nursery Unveiled
The reveal came via a social media post on May 5, 2025, when Donnelly shared a series of photos showcasing the nursery designed for his third child. The space, a dreamy blend of fantasy and comfort, features soft pastel colors, twinkling fairy lights, and hand-painted murals of enchanted forests, complete with unicorns, fairies, and woodland creatures. A canopy bed draped in sheer fabric sits at the center, surrounded by plush toys and a rocking chair upholstered in a whimsical cloud print. Delicate details, like a chandelier made of faux crystals and a bookshelf filled with classic fairytales, add to the magical atmosphere. Donnelly captioned the post with a simple, “Getting ready for Baby No. 3 – our little fairytale begins,” accompanied by a heart emoji, inviting fans into this intimate moment.
The reaction on platforms like X was immediate and overwhelming. Fans flooded the comments with praise, with one user writing, “This nursery is straight out of a fairytale! Declan, you’ve outdone yourself!” Another added, “It’s like stepping into a storybook—Baby No. 3 is so lucky!” The nursery’s design, which balances enchantment with practicality, reflects the care and thought Donnelly and Astall put into creating a nurturing environment for their newest addition. The reveal also sparked discussions about nursery trends, with many fans noting the rise of fairytale-inspired decor as a way to foster creativity and wonder in children.
Declan Donnelly: A Growing Family
To understand the significance of this nursery reveal, it’s essential to consider Donnelly’s journey as a father and his evolving family life. Born on September 25, 1975, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Donnelly has been a fixture on British television for over three decades, rising to fame alongside Ant McPartlin in the children’s drama Byker Grove. As Ant and Dec, the duo has hosted some of the UK’s biggest shows, including Saturday Night Takeaway (which concluded in 2024 after a 20-year run) and Britain’s Got Talent. Despite his high-profile career, Donnelly has always prioritized his family, a value instilled by his close-knit upbringing as one of seven siblings.
Donnelly married Ali Astall, a talent manager, in August 2015, with the ceremony officiated by his late brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle. The couple welcomed their first child, Isla Elizabeth Anne, in September 2018, followed by their son, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, on July 23, 2022. Jack’s birth, announced shortly after Dermott’s tragic passing, was described by Donnelly as a “welcome ray of light,” with Isla “beyond excited to be a big sister.” The announcement of their third child in early 2025—though not yet detailed publicly—has been met with joy, especially given the timing of this nursery reveal, suggesting the baby’s arrival is imminent.
The Public’s Reaction: Awe and Inspiration
The unveiling of the nursery has elicited an outpouring of admiration from fans, who have been charmed by its fairytale aesthetic and the glimpse into Donnelly’s family life. On X, users shared their delight, with one commenting, “Declan Donnelly’s nursery is pure magic—I want to live in it!” Another wrote, “This fairytale vibe is everything! Dec and Ali are giving their kids such a dreamy start.” The reaction reflects Donnelly’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, a quality that has made him a national treasure. Fans also appreciated the rarity of the moment, as Donnelly is known for keeping his family life private, making this reveal a special treat.
The nursery has also inspired broader conversations about parenting and creativity. In the UK, where nursery design has become a booming trend, the fairytale theme resonates with parents seeking to create imaginative spaces for their children. The whimsical decor—combining pastel tones, nature-inspired elements, and a touch of magic—taps into a growing movement toward storytelling through design, fostering a sense of wonder in young minds. Fans have noted the potential influence on their own nursery plans, with one X user stating, “I’m stealing this fairytale idea for my baby’s room—thanks, Dec!” The reveal has also highlighted the importance of creating a nurturing environment, a sentiment that aligns with Donnelly’s hands-on approach to fatherhood.
A Space Steeped in Love
The nursery’s design is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it reflects the love and intentionality Donnelly and Astall have poured into preparing for their third child. The hand-painted murals, reportedly commissioned from a local artist, depict scenes that evoke classic fairytales like The Secret Garden and Peter Pan, suggesting a focus on storytelling and imagination. Practical elements, like a sturdy crib with a soft canopy and a changing station stocked with essentials, ensure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. The rocking chair, adorned with a cloud print, invites late-night cuddles, while the fairy lights add a gentle glow, creating a soothing atmosphere for both baby and parents.
The fairytale theme also carries symbolic weight, reflecting Donnelly’s own journey. Having faced personal challenges, including the loss of his brother Dermott in 2022, Donnelly has often described his children as sources of light and hope. The nursery’s magical design can be seen as an extension of this sentiment, a space where his third child can grow up surrounded by wonder and love. The choice of decor also hints at a desire to pass down the joy of storytelling, a nod to the bedtime tales Dermott used to tell Declan as a child, as shared in his funeral tribute. This connection to family history adds depth to the nursery’s charm, making it a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.
A Broader Reflection
The nursery reveal transcends a simple home decor moment, touching on universal themes of family, creativity, and the magic of childhood. In the UK, where over 600,000 babies are born annually, preparing a nursery is a rite of passage for many parents, often imbued with dreams for their child’s future. Donnelly’s fairytale-inspired design resonates with this sentiment, offering a vision of a world where imagination knows no bounds. The story also highlights the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces for children, a priority that resonates globally as parents navigate the challenges of raising kids in an increasingly complex world.
For Donnelly, the reveal marks another chapter in his journey as a father, one that balances the demands of a high-profile career with the joys of family life. His partnership with Ant McPartlin, who welcomed his first child, Wilder, in May 2024, has evolved in recent years as both men embrace fatherhood, spending more time with their families while continuing to collaborate on projects like The Accidental Tourist, set to air on ITV in 2025. The nursery reveal also underscores Donnelly’s commitment to his children, offering a glimpse into the values he holds dear—love, creativity, and the power of a good story.
Why Everyone’s Talking
The magic of Declan Donnelly’s nursery reveal lies in its blend of whimsy and heart: a fairytale-inspired space that reflects the love and hope he and Ali Astall have for their third child. Fans are captivated by the enchanting design, from the hand-painted murals to the twinkling fairy lights, seeing it as a testament to the couple’s creativity and devotion. For some, it’s an inspiration for their own parenting journeys, a reminder of the joy in creating magical spaces for children. For others, it’s a rare, tender look into Donnelly’s private world, deepening their connection to a star who has brought laughter to millions. As the Donnellys prepare to welcome their newest addition, this fairytale nursery stands as a symbol of new beginnings, proving that even in the spotlight, the most meaningful moments are those rooted in love and imagination.
