Third Time’s a Charm! Declan Donnelly Announces Wife Ali Is Expecting Baby No. 3 — And the Adorable Way They Told Their Daughter Isla
It’s official — the Donnelly household is about to get a little louder. TV favourite Declan Donnelly has revealed that he and his wife, Ali Astall, are expecting their third child, sending fans into a frenzy and sparking a wave of congratulations from friends, family, and celebrity colleagues alike.
The 49-year-old Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent host shared the joyful news in a heartwarming video posted to his official social media accounts on Wednesday evening, showing the exact moment his daughter Isla, six, learned she would soon be a big sister again.
In the short clip — filmed in the family’s sunlit kitchen — Dec can be seen sitting at the table with Isla and their son Jack, who turned two in July. The Geordie star is holding a small gift box, which he gently slides towards Isla, telling her, “Mummy and I have got something very special to tell you.”
Inside the box? A tiny white babygrow embroidered with the words “Baby Donnelly, Coming 2026” in pastel blue thread.
A priceless reaction
Isla’s eyes widen as she pulls out the miniature outfit, looking first to her father, then to her mother — who is standing behind the camera — before breaking into a wide grin. “Another baby?!” she exclaims, clapping her hands in delight. Little Jack, oblivious to the magnitude of the news, simply bangs his spoon against his high chair and giggles, prompting Dec to quip, “I think that’s his way of saying he’s on board!”
The moment has already racked up hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments, with fans praising the Donnellys’ sweet and simple way of sharing the milestone.
‘Our hearts are full’
Alongside the video, Dec posted a short caption:
“Our hearts are full. Ali and I are thrilled to share that Baby Donnelly No. 3 is on the way. Isla is over the moon, Jack’s still processing… and I’m just wondering how we’ll ever get everyone out of the house on time!”
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The post was instantly flooded with well wishes, including one particularly cheeky comment from his long-time television partner and best friend Ant McPartlin, who wrote:
“Congratulations, mate! Looks like the Takeaway baby department is officially expanding. Can I be godfather again, or is there a waiting list?”
Ant, who became a father himself last year when his wife Anne-Marie Corbett gave birth to their first child, has often joked about their children forming their own “mini Ant & Dec” in the future. Several fans even chimed in to suggest that a joint family Christmas special could be in order.
A growing family
Declan and Ali, who tied the knot in 2015 after years of friendship and professional collaboration (Ali was previously his manager), welcomed Isla in September 2018. Their son Jack followed in July 2022, with Dec announcing his arrival in a rare but heartfelt Instagram post.
The couple have kept their children largely out of the public eye, sharing only occasional glimpses into their family life. However, Dec has spoken openly in interviews about how fatherhood has transformed him. “It’s the best job in the world,” he told The Mirror last year. “Nothing comes close to the feeling of coming home and having your kids run to the door to greet you.”
The news of baby number three comes during a busy period for Dec, who, alongside Ant, has been juggling multiple television commitments while also enjoying more family time following the pair’s decision to take a break from Saturday Night Takeaway after its latest series.
Fans’ reactions: ‘We can’t stop smiling’
Within minutes of the announcement, social media lit up with celebratory messages.
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“This is the best news! Isla is going to be the most amazing big sister to two little ones,” one follower wrote.
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Another added: “So happy for you all. That video melted my heart — proper family goals!”
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A third fan simply commented: “Jack’s reaction is everything.”
Some eagle-eyed viewers even claimed to have spotted a hint in a recent behind-the-scenes clip from Britain’s Got Talent, in which Dec was seen joking about “having his hands full at home”. Whether intentional or not, the subtle foreshadowing has only added to the charm of the reveal.
Ant’s cheeky cameo in the story
Although Ant wasn’t present in the announcement video, his fingerprints were all over the online celebration. In addition to his godfather quip, he reposted Dec’s video to his own Instagram stories, adding a string of baby bottle and heart emojis, as well as a GIF of two cartoon babies holding hands.
“Buzzing for the Donnellys,” he wrote. “Time to start planning those playdates. Hope you’ve got a bigger dining table, Dec.”
Their fans, who have followed the duo’s decades-long friendship from Byker Grove to prime-time domination, were quick to point out how much joy the milestone seemed to bring Ant as well. “You can tell Ant is genuinely just as happy as Dec,” one user commented. “That’s why they’re national treasures.”
Looking ahead
While Dec hasn’t shared a due date for the new arrival, sources close to the couple suggest Ali is already well into her second trimester. Friends say the family is quietly preparing for the change, with Isla taking her “big sister duties” very seriously and already helping Ali pick out baby clothes.
“It’s such a happy time for them,” a friend told Hello! magazine. “Ali is glowing, and Dec is just over the moon. They’ve always wanted a big family, and now that dream is coming true.”
For now, the Donnellys appear content to soak in the excitement and enjoy the remaining months before their family of four becomes five. And if Isla’s pure delight in that announcement video is anything to go by, baby number three is set to be welcomed into a home brimming with love, laughter, and just a touch of that signature Geordie mischief.
