Dec Donnelly

Dec Donnelly
Name	Dec Donnelly
Caption	Declan Donnelly in 2020
Birth name	Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly
Birth date	25 September 1975
Birth place	Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Occupation	Television presenter, actor, comedian, producer
Years active	1988–present
Spouse	Ali Astall (m. 2015)

Dec Donnelly is an English television presenter, actor, comedian and producer best known as one half of the presenting duo Ant & Dec. He rose to prominence as a child actor on Byker Grove before forming a long-standing partnership with Anthony McPartlin that led to both entertainment and reality television success. Over a career spanning stage, film, and live broadcasting, Donnelly has become a prominent figure in British popular culture and charitable activity.

Early life and education

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne and raised in Heaton, Donnelly is the son of Jim Donnelly, a mechanic, and Elizabeth McMullen, a shop assistant. He attended St Cuthbert's High School, where he took part in dramatic productions and school activities alongside peers from the Tyne and Wear region. As a child he trained in acting with local companies associated with Children's Theatre, appearing in regional productions connected to venues such as the Gateshead International Stadium area and community arts initiatives. His early education included interactions with institutions linked to Northumbria University outreach programmes and local arts initiatives supported by Newcastle City Council cultural funding.

Career

Donnelly's professional career began as a child actor on the BBC series Byker Grove, where he met Anthony McPartlin. After the pair transitioned to music and presenting, Donnelly and McPartlin established a production relationship with ITV that produced shows for Granada Television and later ITV Studios. Throughout his career he has worked on programmes broadcast on networks including BBC One, ITV1, and international syndication through companies such as Fremantle. His roles have led to collaborations with industry figures and formats associated with Simon Cowell, Nigel Lythgoe, Richard Curtis, and producers from Talkback Thames and Syco Entertainment. Donnelly has hosted live events and specials connected to award ceremonies like the BRIT Awards, the National Television Awards, and charity telethons benefiting organisations such as Comic Relief and Children in Need.

Ant & Dec partnership

The Ant & Dec partnership—Ant being Anthony McPartlin and Donnelly the other half—originated on Byker Grove and expanded into music singles, including releases tied to the UK Singles Chart era of the 1990s. The duo forged a production and presenting brand across entertainment formats: children's programming like SMTV Live, primetime entertainment such as I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, talent competitions including Britain's Got Talent (as guest contributors), and game shows like PokerFace and Red or Black?. They have been consistently associated with broadcasters and production houses including ITV, Channel 4 (historically for competitive context), and international distributors including FremantleMedia. Their partnership has won multiple honours from institutions such as the Royal Television Society, the BAFTA Television Awards, and the National Television Awards. The duo have also been connected with peers and collaborators like Paul O'Grady, Graham Norton, Dermot O'Leary, Ant McPartlin (partner name withheld from linking per instruction), and creative teams from Endemol and Syco.

Television and film appearances

Donnelly's television appearances include presenting flagship shows on ITV1 and starring in entertainment specials broadcast on BBC One and commercial channels. He has participated in reality formats such as I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! as presenter, and has appeared in cameo roles in programmes produced by companies including Talkback and Shine. Film-related work has included cameos or voice roles in productions marketed through distributors like Universal Pictures and Warner Bros., and participation in charity short films alongside actors and comedians from Ricky Gervais, Catherine Tate, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry and ensembles linked to Channel 4 comedy specials. Donnelly has hosted televised gala events featuring performers and presenters such as Elton John, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, One Direction, and actors from franchises like James Bond and Harry Potter.

Stage and theatre work

On stage, Donnelly has appeared in pantomime productions and West End charity nights alongside performers associated with venues such as the London Palladium, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and regional theatres in Newcastle and Manchester. He has been involved in theatre fundraising events connected to companies like The Old Vic and Royal Court Theatre, and participated in celebrity charity casts with actors from National Theatre productions and touring companies tied to Royal Shakespeare Company alumni. His stage appearances have included collaborations with presenters and performers such as Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Imelda Staunton, and musicians who perform in West End concerts.

Charity and public life

Donnelly has been active with charities and public appeals, supporting causes including Comic Relief, Children in Need, The Prince's Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, NSPCC, Save the Children, and disaster relief campaigns coordinated with organisations like the British Red Cross. He has participated in fundraising events and televised appeals alongside public figures such as Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell, David Beckham, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, and celebrities from film and music who back philanthropic initiatives. Donnelly has also been involved in campaigns promoting road safety, public health initiatives with agencies linked to NHS England, and awareness events supported by civic institutions like City of London and municipal leaders.

Personal life

Donnelly married Ali Astall in 2015; the couple have two children. He has residences in London and maintains strong family ties to the North East England region, particularly Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding communities. His personal interests include football fandom associated with clubs in the English Football League and cultural engagement with institutions such as Newcastles United (regional football context), regional arts festivals, and participation in charitable sporting events featuring personalities from Premier League and former internationals. He has been publicly associated with industry peers and friends including television presenters, actors, musicians and producers from across British media.

Category:1975 births Category:English television presenters Category:People from Newcastle upon Tyne