Declan Donnelly, Ali Astall and children - family facts

How did Dec first meet Ali?

Ali, originally from Newcastle in Australia, began working at James Grant Management in London in 2003.

There, she became Geordie presenting duo Ant & Dec’s talent manager - while also looking after the careers of other ITV stars, including Anthea Turner and This Morning presenter Philip Schofield.

As a result, Dec and Ali met through work and became close friends over a decade of working together - before their relationship evolved into something more romantic ?

They became a couple roughly around November 2013. At least, that’s when the public caught wind, anyway!

They’d been getting closer before, of course, with Dec admitting in 2014: “When she was single and I was single we’d go out for dinner on Valentine’s night together because we didn’t have partners. This year, we went out as a couple.”

Dec and Ali’s engagement

On 12 November 2014, Ali and Dec delightedly announced their engagement, after dating for a year.

Dec said of their union at the time: “I think we’ve always been attracted to each other but it has always been that thing of we work together.

“This is the first time we’ve given it a try. We always hung out.”

Dec and Ali’s wedding

On 1 August 2015, Dec married Ali in his hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in front of 200 guests.

Ali and Dec’s bestie Ant McPartlin was one of many stars to watch them tie the knot at St Michael’s Church in Elswick.

He shared a few snaps of his wedding day on social media, including the gorgeous black and white shot above ?

On his wedding anniversary, he also thanks fans for their kind wishes, writing on his 1st:

"Thank you for all the lovely #anniversary messages, the wife and I are very touched and grateful. Can't believe this is a year ago already. It was the best day ever! ❤️ #love #wedding"

And on his 2nd: "Thank you for all the lovely anniversary messages for me and Mrs D, we really appreciate them. We can't believe this was 2 years ago today. Such happy memories. Big ❤️. D #happy #wedding #anniversary #love"

Awwwww!

Ali’s 1st pregnancy

On 24 March 2018, Dec and Ali’s pregnancy was revealed to the public – but the news was leaked before they felt ready to share.

The day after, Dec tweeted: “Just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely messages.

“The news has sneaked out a little earlier than we had hoped but Ali and I are delighted to be expecting our first child. Thanks for all the love, we really appreciate it ❤️D x"

Ali would’ve been around the 12-week mark when the news broke, if not a little before: if Ali gave birth on her due date, she would’ve been around 11 weeks along.

At the 2018 BAFTAs, Ali showcased her growing bump in a gorgeous silver gown.

Isla Elizabeth Anne

On 1 September 2018, Dec took to Twitter to share the joyful news that Ali had safely given birth to a baby girl.

“Ali and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our baby girl, Isla Elizabeth Anne, who was born just after 9 o’clock this morning,” he announced proudly.

“Mother and daughter both doing well, Dad is head over heels! D x”

He tweeted the news alongside an adorable snap of Isla’s tiny finger. We’re total suckers for cute baby hand pics ✋

Fun fact: Isla’s name has a double meaning – and her middle names have very special (and personal) meanings to the couple, too.

Dad Dec’s not the only one totally in love with the new arrival – Uncle Ant is already besotted, too.

Ant followed up Dec’s tweet on their joint Twitter account with a gushing message, writing: "Welcome to the world baby Isla Elizabeth Anne. ❤️ Can’t wait for cuddles. I love you already!! Uncle Ant xxxxx”

Big congrats to the happy family from all of us here at MFM HQ ?

Dec on I’m A Celeb 2018

New dad Dec will have a 2-month-old by time he heads Down Under once again for the new series of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

The show usually starts in November, so we expect it’ll air for a few weeks from November 2018.

As presenting partner Ant is taking time off from TV until 2019, it’s been revealed that mum-of-3 Holly Willoughby will be joining him.

She’s bringing her brood of school-aged children to Australia with her for the prestigious hosting job (yes, taking them out of school) – so, we wonder if Ali and baby Isla will be flying to Australia to join Dec, too.

Only time will tell - Ali may well be on mat leave, but Australia's also her home country. That said, a 20 hour + flight time with a newborn in tow is no easy task!

Images: Bump pic via Getty Images, Twitter and Instagram/Dec Donnelly

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