Recent “sad news” regarding Declan Donnelly primarily refers to his candid 2026 revelation about a “constant” battle with silent health struggles and low-level anxiety. While Donnelly also faced the tragic loss of his brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, in July 2022, his latest update focuses on the mental health challenges he faces while balancing his high-profile TV career and fatherhood.
Declan Donnelly Health Struggle 2026
In January 2026, Declan Donnelly opened up about a silent mental health battle involving “constant anxiety” that has plagued him for years. Speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, he admitted he finds it impossible to sit down and relax, often feeling a nagging voice telling him he should be more productive.
This struggle with high-functioning anxiety is something Dec has managed privately for a long time. He revealed that he sought professional therapy roughly five or six years ago, which he found incredibly beneficial for his well-being.
Tragic Death of Father Dermott
The most significant “sad news” in Dec’s family history remains the sudden death of his older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, on July 8, 2022. Dermott was a highly respected Roman Catholic priest who died at age 55 following a brain haemorrhage and a short illness in hospital.
Dec was reportedly “beyond devastated” by the loss of his brother, who had officiated his wedding to Ali Astall in 2015. The funeral, held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, saw hundreds of mourners gather to honor a man Dec described as a “darling brother” and a “special man.”
Impact of Fatherhood and Career
Dec and his wife, Ali Astall, have two children: Isla Elizabeth Anne (born 2018) and Jack Anthony Alphonsus (born 2022). While fatherhood has brought great joy, Dec admitted in 2026 that it has also intensified his anxiety regarding his career and “being present” for his family.
He expressed concerns about his children watching his shows, specifically I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, due to the late-night time slots. This shift in perspective highlights how Dec’s personal priorities have evolved as he reached his 50th birthday in late 2025.
Ant and Dec’s Career Future
Despite the “sad news” labels often seen in headlines, the duo’s career remains robust with several new projects launching in 2026. They have officially debuted their new podcast, “Hanging Out With Ant & Dec,” and a digital entertainment channel called Belta Box.
Fans of Saturday Night Takeaway should note that while the show took a hiatus, the pair continues to lead flagship ITV hits like Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win. Their partnership remains the strongest in British broadcasting history, spanning over 30 years.
Practical Information for Fans
- Current Status: Declan Donnelly is active in his TV career and resides in London.
- Where to Watch: Catch him on I’m A Celebrity (annually in November/December) and Britain’s Got Talent (Spring).
- Latest Project: The Hanging Out With Ant & Dec podcast, available on all major streaming platforms.
- Fan Interaction: Dec rarely uses individual social media; updates are shared via the official @antanddec accounts.
The Legacy of Father Dermott Donnelly
The most profound personal tragedy for Declan Donnelly remains the loss of his elder brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, who passed away in July 2022. Dermott was a pillar of the community in the North East and served as a Roman Catholic priest for 30 years.
Dec was incredibly close to his brother, who famously officiated his 2015 wedding to Ali Astall. The loss was sudden; Dermott collapsed following a brain hemorrhage and died shortly after in the hospital. In 2026, Dec continues to honor his brother’s memory through support for youth charities in Newcastle, the city where they were raised alongside their five other siblings.
2026 Mental Health Revelations
In a series of candid interviews in early 2026, Dec opened up about a “constant” battle with low-level anxiety and the pressure of perfectionism. He described a persistent “inner critic” that made it difficult to enjoy his successes during the height of his career.
To manage these struggles, Dec has become a vocal advocate for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which he credits with helping him find a balance between his intense work ethic and his role as a father. This transparency has been widely praised for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health for men in their 50s.
The Shift to Digital: Belta Box
As traditional linear television faces changing viewership habits, Ant and Dec have pivoted toward their own digital ecosystem in 2026. Their primary venture, Belta Box, is a multi-platform digital hub that hosts exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive games.
- Hanging Out With Ant & Dec: This 2026 podcast series has reached the top of the UK charts, featuring long-form conversations that move away from their scripted TV personas.
- Production Powerhouse: Through their company, Mitre Studios, Dec has taken a more significant “behind the camera” role, developing new formats for global streaming services.
Family Life in London
Dec lives in Chiswick, West London, with his wife, Ali Astall, and their two children, Isla and Jack. After years of grueling filming schedules, particularly for I’m A Celebrity, 2026 has seen Dec prioritize a “family-first” calendar.
He has spoken about the joy of “school runs and weekend football,” noting that his children are largely unaware of his celebrity status. This grounded lifestyle is often cited as the reason the duo has managed to avoid the pitfalls of fame that affect many child stars.
Practical Information for Fans and Media
Viewing and Engagement Schedule
- Britain’s Got Talent: Airing Spring 2026 on ITV1.
- I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!: Scheduled for November 2026.
- Digital Content: Accessible via the Belta Box app and official YouTube channel.
FAQs
Is Declan Donnelly still working with Ant McPartlin?
Yes, their partnership remains intact. In 2026, they are focusing on digital content and their established ITV hits like BGT.
What was the cause of Father Dermott Donnelly’s death?
He died following a sudden collapse caused by a brain hemorrhage in July 2022.
How many siblings does Dec have?
Dec is the youngest of seven children (three brothers and three sisters) born to Anne and Alphonsus Donnelly.
Is Saturday Night Takeaway coming back?
The show is currently on an indefinite “hiatus” as of 2026, though the duo has not ruled out a future return for special anniversaries.
What is Dec’s net worth in 2026?
While exact figures are private, industry estimates place his net worth at approximately £62 million, largely built through Mitre Studios and long-term ITV “golden handcuffs” deals.
Did Dec win any awards recently?
Ant and Dec continued their winning streak at the 2025 NTAs, marking over two decades of dominance in the Best Presenter category.
Is Dec on social media?
He does not have public personal accounts; he shares the @antanddec handle on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
What is “Mitre Studios”?
It is the production company co-founded by Ant and Dec, named after the Mitre pub in Byker Grove, the show where they first met.
How old is Declan Donnelly’s daughter?
Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly was born in September 2018, making her 7 years old in 2026.
Who is Declan Donnelly’s wife?
He is married to Ali Astall, who was previously the duo’s manager for over a decade before their romantic relationship began.
Does Dec live near Ant?
Yes, both live in Chiswick, West London, maintaining their lifelong close proximity.
What is Dec’s height?
Declan Donnelly is approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m) tall.
Is Dec religious?
Dec was raised in a devout Catholic family and has spoken about the importance of faith, especially following the passing of his brother.
What is the sad news about Declan Donnelly in 2026?
The latest news involves Dec’s admission of a silent struggle with constant anxiety, where he feels he can never “sit down” or stop working.
Did Declan Donnelly’s brother pass away?
Yes, his brother Father Dermott Donnelly died in July 2022 at age 55 from a suspected brain haemorrhage.
Is Declan Donnelly still married?
Yes, Dec has been married to Ali Astall since 2015, and they have two children together.
How many children does Declan Donnelly have?
He has two children: a daughter named Isla and a son named Jack.
What happened to Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway?
The duo decided to “rest” the show after its 20th series in 2024 to spend more time with their families.
Is Dec still working with Ant?
Absolutely. They recently launched the Belta Box digital channel and a new podcast together in early 2026.
How old is Declan Donnelly now?
Declan Donnelly turned 50 years old in September 2025.
What was Fr Dermott Donnelly’s cause of death?
He suffered a sudden collapse and died in the hospital from a brain haemorrhage (bleeding on the brain).
Does Declan Donnelly have health issues?
While physically healthy, he has been vocal about his mental health, specifically dealing with low-level, persistent anxiety.
Where does Declan Donnelly live?
He lives in Chiswick, West London, near his long-time friend and co-host Ant McPartlin.
Is Declan Donnelly retiring?
There are no signs of retirement; however, he is being more selective with projects to prioritize family time.
Can I listen to Dec’s new podcast?
Yes, the Hanging Out With Ant & Dec podcast is available on YouTube and podcast apps as of January 2026.
For More news Related insights click on :
Universal Credit Loophole £1500: Truth and Benefits Guide
Huddersfield Examiner: Trusted Voice of Local News and Community
DWP Bank Surveillance 2026: Technical Guide & Appeal Rights
Norris Cole Coronation Street: The Ultimate Legacy & Storyline Guide
To read more , Brighton City News