Declan Donnelly’s baby name contains a sweet tribute to showbiz pal
DECLAN Donnelly has revealed his newborn son’s name – sharing the sweet tribute to one of his showbiz pals.
The TV presenter, 46, and wife Ali Astall surprised fans by announcing the arrival of their second child at the weekend, after keeping her pregnancy a secret.
Posting the happy news on Instagram, Dec – who also shares daughter Isla, three, with Ali – shared a sweet snap of their baby boy holding his finger.
Dec wrote: “Shortly before 10am yesterday, 23.7.2022, Ali and I welcomed the arrival of our son, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, a very welcome ray of light. He is wonderful and Isla is beyond excited to be a big sister! D x.”
Jack’s middle name is of course a nod to Dec’s best mate and co-presenter Ant McPartlin.
The name Jack is not a surprising choice for Dec, who was raised Catholic and recently lost his older brother Father Dermott Donnelly, as it means ‘God is Gracious’.
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Jack’s second middle name, Alphonsus, is in honour of Dec’s own father, who died in 2011.
Alphonsus is a name of Spanish, Italian, Irish origin meaning ‘noble and ready’.
Dec’s famous friends were quick to congratulate him and Ali on their new arrival.
His former SMTV:Live co-host Cat Deeley wrote: “That is wonderful news ! Congratulations …. Sending love.”
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Scarlett Moffatt added: “Congratulations. Delighted for you all love the moffatts xx.”
Meanwhile Laura Whitmore shared: “Delighted for you both! Congrats.”