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Declan Donnelly welcomes second baby with Ali Astall, pays tribute to pal Ant with sweet name

The boy is named Jack Anthony Alphonsus, after Dec's late father Alphonsus Donnelly and his longtime presenting partner Ant McPartlin

Declan Donnelly and wife Ali Astall announced the birth of their second child, a newborn boy, just two weeks after his older brother unexpectedly passed away. The TV host revealed they have named the boy Jack Anthony Alphonsus in an Instagram picture shared with fans on Sunday night after confirming the surprise delivery.

The name of the newborn honors both Dec's father, Alphonsus Donnelly, of Northern Ireland, who died in 2011 after a battle with cancer, and Ant McPartlin, Dec's longstanding presenting partner. According to Daily Mail, Isla Elizabeth Anne, Dec and Ali's first child, was born in August of that year, marking their first family milestone.

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Donnelly shared the good news with a cute photo on the joint Instagram account of Ant and Dec. The post reads: "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!"

The image that Donnelly shared showed his infant son's hand wrapped around one of his fingers. Isla Elizabeth Anne, who was born in 2018, is the couple's daughter. Donnelly married his wife Ali Astall in 2015.

Friends and fans congratulate Dec and Ali

Soon after Donnelly posted his baby boy's picture on Instagram and Twitter, several fans and celebrities left congratulatory messages in the comments section. 

Laura Whitmore, the host of Love Island, wrote: "Delighted for you both! Congrats." Popular video creators Woody & Kleiny wrote:  " Congratulations buzzing for you." 

A fan wrote on Twitter, "Omg this is just absolutely amazing wonderful news,I’m in absolute shock & total aww!! I don’t think that anyone knew that Ali was pregnant,massive well done for keeping it quiet,lol I’m just so so SO happy for u both & very excited!! Absolute MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS!!" Another user wrote, "Congratulations Dec and Ali. I must have nodded off during the announcement of Ali being pregnant again lol, or I've simply got a memory like a sieve lolol. Can't wait to see all the gorgeous photos, and absolutely love the name xxx" Irish politician Patsy McGlone tweeted: "Best wishes to you both from South Derry. When someone leaves, it’s because someone else is about to arrive.”