Saturday Night Takeaway is at the forefront of everyones minds and the dynamic duo are preparing to dominate TV screens once again.
The eighteenth series will kick off on ITV on Saturday February 19 at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
Fans can expect to see showbiz guests, head-to-head challenges, the famous hidden-camera set ups and a newly scripted comedy sequel – with many more giveaways and live surprises.
With the family fun show making a comeback – we couldn’t help but wonder what home life was really like for one half of the presenting partnership and father-of-one, Declan Donnelly.
Having tied the knot with stunning wife Ali Astall back in 2015 after decades-long friendship and welcoming a daughter into the world – the twosome have tried to keep a low profile.
Here, Daily Star explore Dec and Ali’s romance and marriage.
Manager bond
(Image: PA)
Long before Declan Donnelly married Ali Astall, the couple formed a close bond after working together for almost a decade.
Ali joined James Grant Management in 2003, and soon became close friends with Dec after accompanying him and Ant on their first I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! trip to Australia.
Ali was soon to become Dec’s manager for ten years, as he and Ant rose to fame with their own TV programme Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and on programmes including Britain’s Got Talent.
However away from the limelight, Dec told The Express that he and Ali would regularly spend time together outside of work, saying: “We always hung out.
“When she was single and I was single we’d go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day together.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Dec had previously dated celebrities including long term girlfriend Clare Buckfield, Sky Sports presenter Georgie Thompson and Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts, while working alongside Ali.
However when the duo were both single, Dec and Ali’s friendship soon blossomed into something more, with Dec saying: “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. 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 couple.”
A source told The Mirror that Ali had always known that Dec was the one for her, adding: “She has been in love with Dec for a very long time, she’s stayed single and has held out for him.”
They added: “Ali is a gorgeous girl and a lot of her friends couldn’t understand why she didn’t have a boyfriend.
“Now they know it’s because Ali wanted to be with Dec. He is the only guy for her.”
How Dec and Ali meet
(Image: Getty Images)
The pair started dating in 2014 after they’d known and worked with one another for a number of years – with Ali being Ant and Dec’s talent manager.
Over time their friendship blossomed and Dec revealed in an interview with the Daily Express, that being romantically connected had been “strange” for them at first.
At the time of their wedding, he told the publication: “We always hung out.
“When she was single and I was single we’d go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day together.
“Last year we went out as a couple. It was a little strange because we’ve had a working relationship for so long.”
The Wedding
(Image: PA)
After years of friendship they were finally a confirmed couple in 2014 – with the pair tying the knot in a lavish ceremony in front of 200 guests in 2015.
The loved-up couple married at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Elswick, Newcastle – Dec’s hometown.
His best friend and on-screen partner Ant McPartlin was best man but the day was attended by many other celebrities too.
Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon Cowell, This Morning star Holly Willoughby, Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness and Celebrity Juice presenter Keith Lemon were all thought to be attendance at the swanky venue.
During a Jonathan Ross interview ahead of the big day, Dec touched on how he’d popped the big question at sunset.
Shutting down rumours there had been any conflict between colleagues because of his work connection with his soon-to-be-wife, he told the host: “It’s going good. Everything’s hunky-dory.”
Ali and Dec welcome their first child
(Image: PA)
Back in 2018, Ali confirmed that she and the Saturday Night Takeaway star were expecting a baby girl together.
The tot, who has remained out of the limelight, was born in September of that same year and proud dad Dec couldn’t wait to share the joyous news with the world.
He penned on Twitter: “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.”
Dec opened up about fatherhood and how much his life had changed since the arrival of his daughter in his shared book – Ant and Dec’s Once Upon A Tyne.
He penned: “Becoming a dad has completely transformed me. At first, like all expectant parents, I didn’t truly understand how much it was going to change me.
“I just thought it was another little person coming to live in the house… It opened up a whole other side to me, a side I didn’t know existed.
“I felt a love that I didn’t realise it was possible to feel. Everything I do, every day, is for my daughter now.”
Famous clients and Ant McPartlin wife link
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for evi)
Although Dec and Ali are married, Ali continues to represent the stars, as well as a host of celebrity clients.
Some of the huge names that Ali counts as close friends and clients include This Morning host Holly Willoughby, as well as stars including Fearne Cotton.
She also has a link to Ant McPartlin’s wife Anne Marie Corbett, who works alongside her at James Grant Management Agency.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
