Declan Donnelly, the 50-year-old television presenter best known for co-hosting I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Ant McPartlin, has unveiled a new look during his summer break: a week-old beard. The revelation came during a conversation on the pair's podcast, where Ant could not resist teasing his longtime friend.
Ant McPartlin's Playful Reaction
Upon spotting Declan's facial hair, Ant exclaimed, "Woah, woah, woah. Do you have a beard?" Declan explained that the stubble was simply the result of taking time off after a busy work period, saying, "I have a suggestion of a beard at the moment. We have obviously been off work now for about a week now so I haven't shaved for a week." Ant continued the joke, telling listeners, "At last! We thought it couldn't happen. I didn't think it could happen but Dec has grown a beard." He also admitted the look was not what he expected, adding, "You don't look much like [singer and actor] Alfie Boe as I thought you would, that's what we all thought. But you don't."
Fan Reactions and Declan's Plans
The brief experiment with facial hair quickly attracted attention online, where viewers shared overwhelmingly positive reactions. Comments included: "Dec looks good with the stubble," "Omg it's real!! I assumed it was a filter!" "You really suit it Dec," and "An ungroomed Dec is a fine looking Dec." Some fans encouraged him to keep the beard, with one writing, "Keep it Dec, it suits you," and another adding, "I think it looks sexy! Get past the itchy stage and see how it looks! For what it's worth.. I like it." Despite the praise, Declan suggested the beard may not last long, admitting, "I can't wait to get rid of it, I've just entered the itchy phase."
Declan Donnelly on Fatherhood and Public Etiquette
The beard discussion follows another recent moment from the podcast where Declan criticised parents who play music aloud from their phones in public. Recalling a visit to a playgroup with his three-year-old son Jack, he described one parent's behaviour as inconsiderate, saying it was "so rude" to play music out loud in public and adding, "You can't inflict your music on everybody else." Ant agreed, noting it was frustrating when people play music on public transport without headphones, though he admitted he enjoys hearing music played in town centres. Earlier this year, speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Declan reflected on becoming a father later in life and admitted he wished he had started a family sooner. "I find it challenging, I find it hard, but it's the most rewarding thing," he said. "Everything we've ever achieved in our career, does not hold a candle to being a dad. It is my favourite thing in the world." Looking ahead, Declan said his priority is staying healthy to spend as much time as possible with his children, describing them as "the most incredible thing that's ever happened me."
