Declan Donnelly has thanked fans for their support after it was revealed that his wife is pregnant with their first child.

Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall [Instagram]

Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall [Instagram]

The 42-year-old TV presenter and his wife Ali Astall - who tied the knot in 2015 - will welcome a baby together later this year and both are thrilled about the pregnancy.

Sharing a picture from their wedding day on Instagram, Dec 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 (sic)."

The message was posted on the antanddecofficial Instagram page, which Dec shares with his presenting partner Ant McPartlin.

Speaking about the pregnancy, a source told The Sun on Sunday: "They are both absolutely delighted to be expecting -- especially as they have been trying for some time.

"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.

"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."

The happy news comes amid a tough time professionally for Dec, after his long-time co-star Ant was arrested on suspicion of drink driving last weekend.

Ant - who spent time in rehab last year - is taking time off and is set to receive more treatment.

And Dec is now facing a decision about what he plans to do with his own career moving forwards.

Ant and Dec's money-spinning partnership stretches back to their appearances on the children's drama 'Byker Grove'.

The pair also own homes in the same West London street, and Dec is said to have been incredibly supportive towards his pal over recent days.

'Saturday Night Takeaway' did not air this weekend, and the final two episodes of the current series, which are scheduled to air on March 31 and April 7, won't feature Ant.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: "ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec's team not to broadcast 'Saturday Night Takeaway' this weekend.

"We will be reviewing options for the last two episodes of the series which would not feature Ant who is taking time off to seek treatment.

"We very much hope that he gets the help that he needs."

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