DECLAN DONNELLY, OF Ant & Dec fame, has announce that he and wife Ali Astall are expecting their first child.

After several publications began reporting the news, Dec took to his and Ant Mc Partlin’s joint Twitter account, saying:

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”

The news comes as Dec prepares to host Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway solo for the first time ever, as partner-in-crime Ant enters rehab.

Ant was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following a three-car crash last week.

Asked last year if he would like children, he said: “Absolutely at some point, when the time is right.

Hopefully, as Ant says, if it comes along, then it would be great.”

Some good news during a difficult time, no doubt.

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