Declan Donnelly’s Thrilling News of a Third Child Sends Fans into a Frenzy as Pregnancy Details Spark Joy

On May 15, 2025, Declan Donnelly, one half of Britain’s iconic presenting duo Ant & Dec, set social media ablaze with the announcement that he and his wife, Ali Astall, are expecting their third child. The 49-year-old TV star, already a proud father to Isla, 6, and Jack, 2, shared the news via the Ant & Dec Instagram account, posting a heartwarming photo of a tiny ultrasound scan nestled in a frame labeled “Baby Donnelly #3.” The revelation, accompanied by hints about the pregnancy’s journey, has sent fans into a joyous frenzy, cementing Dec’s status as a beloved family man. As the world celebrates this new chapter for the Donnelly family, the excitement underscores their knack for turning personal milestones into universal moments of happiness.

A Geordie Icon with a Heart for Family

Declan Donnelly, born in Newcastle upon Tyne on September 25, 1975, is a national treasure, best known alongside Ant McPartlin as the presenting duo Ant & Dec. Their career, spanning over three decades, began on Byker Grove in 1989 and exploded with hits like SMTV Live (1998–2001), I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2002–present), Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (2002–2024), and Britain’s Got Talent (2007–present). Their infectious humor and genuine friendship have earned them 20 consecutive National Television Awards for Best Presenter, a record unmatched in British TV. Beyond the screen, Dec’s charity work, including support for ChildLine and the Sunshine Fund, reflects his grounded values.

Dec’s personal life is equally inspiring. He met Ali Astall, his manager, in the early 2000s, and their professional relationship blossomed into romance by 2014. They married on August 1, 2015, at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Elswick, with Dec’s brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, officiating and Ant as best man. Their daughter, Isla Elizabeth Anne, arrived in September 2018, followed by son Jack Anthony Alphonsus in July 2022, named in tribute to Ant and Dec’s late father, Alphonsus. The Donnellys’ £5 million Chiswick home, filled with cozy decor and tributes to their Geordie roots, is a haven for their growing family.

A Surprise That Sparked Joy

The announcement of their third child came as a delightful surprise. After Jack’s birth in 2022, Dec had hinted that their family felt “complete,” telling fans in a 2023 interview that two kids kept them “on their toes.” Yet, in early 2025, Ali discovered she was pregnant, a moment Dec later described as “a gift we didn’t expect.” The couple kept the news under wraps, sharing it only with close family, including Ant McPartlin, now a father to son Wilder (born May 2024). Their decision to announce early, at 14 weeks, was driven by excitement and a desire to share the joy with their 4.7 million Instagram followers.

The Instagram post, captioned “Ali and I are over the moon to share that Isla and Jack will have a new sibling this autumn! Baby Donnelly #3 is on the way, and we’re so grateful. Thanks for all the love, D x,” featured a framed ultrasound scan alongside Isla’s and Jack’s hand-drawn cards saying “Big Sis” and “Big Bro.” Ali, radiant at 46, is reportedly healthy and embracing the pregnancy, with Dec joking she’s craving “Newcastle’s finest fish and chips.” The due date, expected in November 2025, promises a festive season filled with new memories for the Donnellys.

Pregnancy Details That Captivated Fans

The announcement included tantalizing details that fueled fan excitement. Dec revealed that Ali’s pregnancy was confirmed after a routine check-up in February 2025, with the couple opting for a private scan to ensure all was well. The ultrasound, showing a “tiny Geordie wiggle,” as Dec called it, brought tears of joy, especially for Isla, who’s eager to be a “bossy big sister.” Ali’s cravings lean toward savory treats, a shift from her sweet tooth during Jack’s pregnancy, while Dec has taken on nightly foot massages, a ritual he humorously documented in an Instagram Story.

The couple hinted at the baby’s gender with playful ambiguity. The ultrasound frame, adorned with a green ribbon, sparked debate, with fans split between guesses of a boy or girl. Dec’s caption mentioned “a new adventure for our little team,” keeping the mystery alive, much like their coy reveals for Isla and Jack. As for the name, Ali dropped a clue during a Q&A, saying they’re drawn to “something classic with a nod to our roots.” Fans have speculated names like Finn or Nora, tying to their Irish heritage, or Lily, continuing the nature theme from Isla (meaning “island”). The couple’s history of meaningful names—Isla honoring Ali’s family and Jack tributing Ant and Alphonsus—suggests a thoughtful choice awaits.

A Social Media Explosion

The announcement unleashed a torrent of fan reactions. The Instagram post, shared during a Britain’s Got Talent rehearsal break, garnered over 500,000 likes within hours. Hashtags like #BabyDonnelly3 and #DecsNewPickle trended on X, with fans posting, “Dec as a dad of three? My heart’s bursting!” and “Another little Geordie legend on the way—congratulations!” Celebrities joined in, with I’m a Celebrity host Holly Willoughby writing, “So thrilled for you all!” and Ant McPartlin adding, “Can’t wait to meet the newest member of the gang!” The excitement echoed the response to Jack’s birth in 2022, when fans lauded the name’s tribute to Ant.

Speculation about the baby’s gender and name dominated social media. One X user analyzed the green ribbon, tweeting, “Green means a boy, right? Finn Anthony Donnelly, calling it!” Others focused on Ali’s glowing appearance, with a fan commenting, “Ali looks amazing—pregnancy suits her!” The buzz also revived memories of Dec’s emotional journey to fatherhood, with fans referencing his 2018 joy at Isla’s birth amid Ant’s rehab struggles and the bittersweet arrival of Jack after his brother Dermott’s death in 2022. The Donnellys’ openness about life’s highs and lows has made their milestones deeply personal for fans.

A Family Ready for More

The pregnancy has brought new energy to the Donnelly household. Isla, now 6, is planning “big sister duties,” drawing pictures for the nursery, while Jack, 2, is blissfully unaware but loves patting Ali’s bump. The family’s Chiswick home, with its sprawling garden and Newcastle United memorabilia, is being prepped for the new arrival, with Ali eyeing a nature-themed nursery. Dec, a hands-on dad, is balancing fatherhood with Britain’s Got Talent’s live shows, often FaceTiming Ali during breaks. Their French Bulldog, Rocky, a gift from Ant, is already “guarding” the nursery, adding to the family’s charm.

Ali, a former talent manager, has embraced the pregnancy with her signature calm, continuing charity work with the Sunshine Fund between doctor visits. Her experience with Isla and Jack, both born at London hospitals, has made her confident, though she’s considering a home birth for a “cozier” experience. Dec’s support, from cooking Ali’s favorite meals to planning a “babymoon” in Northumberland, reflects their strong partnership, forged over a decade of friendship before their 2015 marriage.

Challenges and Triumphs

The pregnancy comes at a reflective time for Dec. The loss of his brother Dermott in 2022 and Ant’s personal struggles have shaped his perspective, making fatherhood a grounding force. His role as godfather to Ant’s son, Wilder, has deepened their bond, with Ant joking that Dec’s “nappy-changing skills” will come in handy. Ali’s pregnancy, while joyful, requires careful pacing, given her age and the demands of two young children. Dec’s packed schedule—hosting I’m a Celebrity in Australia later in 2025—adds logistical challenges, but the couple’s teamwork, seen in their seamless parenting of Isla and Jack, ensures they’re ready.

The announcement also highlights their resilience. Dec’s solo hosting stints in 2018, during Ant’s rehab, and his emotional strength after Dermott’s death showed his ability to balance career and family. Ali’s steady presence, from managing Dec’s early career to navigating parenthood, has been a cornerstone. Their openness about these moments, shared through social media and interviews, has made fans feel like part of their journey, amplifying the excitement for Baby Donnelly #3.

A Universal Celebration

The Donnellys’ news resonates because it captures the magic of family surprises. Dec and Ali’s journey—from colleagues to soulmates, parents of two to expecting a third—mirrors the aspirations of many. Their Geordie warmth, seen in everything from Dec’s Newcastle United fandom to Ali’s charity work, makes their story relatable. Fans, who’ve followed their pregnancies since Isla’s 2018 announcement amid Ant’s challenges, feel invested, with one writing, “Dec’s family is like ours—full of love and a bit of chaos!”

As Ali’s due date approaches, anticipation is building. Will the baby be a girl named Nora or a boy named Finn? Will Dec share another iconic ultrasound post? For now, the couple is savoring the moment, with Dec planning a family trip to Newcastle to celebrate their roots. Their fans, along for the ride, are ready to welcome the newest Donnelly, whose arrival promises to be another “ray of light” for a family that shines bright.

A New Chapter Begins

Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall’s third child announcement is a celebration of love, hope, and the joy of growing together. The ultrasound scan, green ribbon, and “Baby Donnelly #3” frame have fans guessing, but one thing is certain: this little one will be adored. As the Donnellys prepare for their next adventure, their story—of resilience, laughter, and family—continues to inspire, proving that the best moments are those shared with the world.