Declan Donnelly talks ‘going solo’ in Ant McPartlin’s absence
Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin have been the nation’s favourite double act for decades.
The pair have presented some of the most popular shows together, which they started doing after they found fame as child actors.
One of their most well-known shows, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, is starting again this weekend for its 23rd series, so Express.co.uk has taken a look into the life of one-half of the beloved duo.
The 48-year-old lives an interesting life, from his extensive career to his personal life which he keeps very private.
Ahead of the show’s return on Sunday, Dec has been seen enjoying a final meal with his wife Ali Astall before the madness begins.
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MailOnline reported the popular presenter celebrated with his wife Ali on Thursday, days before the series kicks off.
The two kept it casual as they sipped on wine and enjoyed food together at Langham Hotel in Surfers Paradise, Australia.
The two began dating in 2014 but had known each other for a decade.
Dec told Express.co.uk: “We always hung out. When she was single and I was single we’d go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day together.
“Last year we went out as a couple. It was a little strange because we’ve had a working relationship for so long.”
The two got married in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Isla, in 2018.
Their son Jack was born in 2022.
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Dec first found fame on Byker Grove alongside Ant.
While the duo remain a staple of British TV, Dec enjoys a quiet life off-camera.
Dec lives with his wife and two children in the West London district of Chiswick.
He was neighbours with Ant, who lived on the same street, for a long time, but when Ant and his then-wife Lisa Armstrong divorced in 2018, Ant moved away.
While Dec occasionally shares posts of significant moments in his life, such as the birth of his children, he largely keeps his family life private.
Sadly though, not all moments have been celebratory in Dec’s family life.
In 2022, Dec’s brother Dermott Donnelly, 55, died after being rushed to hospital.
Dermott was a much-loved Roman Catholic priest based in the family’s native north east.
He was being treated at North Durham Hospital after collapsing in his Newcastle parish.
Taking to social media, Dec wrote via the Ant and Dec official Twitter account: “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. DD.”
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