Declan Donnelly’s baby news proves ‘bittersweet’ for Ant McPartlin as he continues to struggle with his private life
While Dec and wife Ali are preparing for their first child, Ant is facing a drink-driving charge and divorce
DECLAN Donnelly's baby announcement has left his best pal Ant McPartlin with split emotions, a new report claims.
The dad-to-be, 42, tonight confirmed he and wife Ali Astall, 40, are expecting their first child a day after The Sun exclusively revealed the news.
Ant, 42, is said to be delighted for his longtime mate, but his recent drink-driving charge combined with the collapse of his marriage to Lisa Armstrong has reportedly left him heartbroken that his life's not in the same place as Dec's.
A source told the Mirror: “Ant is thrilled for Dec and Ali but the news sparked other emotions because he has always wanted children.
“There is some heartache and it is a bittersweet moment. Ant has gone into rehab and has recently split from his wife Lisa, so his life is just not the same as the one Ant has right now.”
Dec opened up about his wife's pregnancy tonight sharing a romantic throwback from his and Ali's wedding day.
He wrote: "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."
Earlier today Dec was spotted for the first time since The Sun revealed he's expecting his first child.
The Geordie presenter wore a smart-casual outfit as he returned to his West London home, just hours after his baby news stunned fans.
It's been a tough week for the popular Saturday Night Takeaway star after best pal Ant stepped out of the limelight after being charged with drink-driving.
But today Dec looked relaxed in a cap, gilet and navy jeans as he climbed the steps to his home.
Last night a source close to Dec and 40-year-old Ali said: “They are both absolutely delighted to be expecting — especially as they have been trying for some time.”
The couple, who wed in 2015, have broken the happy news to Dec’s TV partner Ant , who went into rehab this week.
It is thought Ali fell pregnant shortly after Dec left the jungle in December following the last series of I’m A Celebrity.
But they kept it secret until they knew talent manager Ali had safely passed the crucial 12-week mark.
A source close to the pair, who wed in 2015 after knowing each other for a decade, said: “This has come at a difficult time for them both, given everything that Ant is now going through and the pressure that has put on Dec in the past week.
“But their priority now is their baby and an experience that they see as the best of their lives.
“Dec and Ali are both absolutely delighted to be expecting, especially as they have been trying for some time.
“They have both always wanted a family but worried that it might not happen for them.
“They have been keeping the pregnancy a closely guarded secret, but now that Ali is safely over 12 weeks, they are starting to let people know.
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“They have told a few friends and Dec has told key people at ITV.
“Ali has also made some colleagues aware as she has been stepping back at work.
“She wants to make sure she takes it easy during the pregnancy.
“She knows it’s important for her to look after herself as much as possible.”
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