Biography
Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly was born September 25th, 1975 to Anne, a housewife, and Alphonsus, a plumber. He was the youngest of 7 children, with 3 sisters and brothers. His parents are originally from Northern Ireland but moved to Newcastle before Declan was born. He grew up on the Cruddas estate in Newcastle, an area that has problems with drugs and violence.
The Donnelly family are devout Catholics and Dec even thought for a while of becoming a priest (his elder brother Dermott actually did). He attended St. Michael's RC primary and later St. Cuthbert's an ex-grammar secondary boy's school. He was described as being a bright student, but only achieved average grades at GCSE and, like Ant, quit A levels to pursue a career in entertainment. Growing up he desperately wanted to be a footy player, but knew due to his size that it was not likely. He says to this day that he would give up all the success he has had over the years to have played for Newcastle United.
Dec, always the entertainer of his family, rang the producers of Byker Grove at the tender age of 12 to ask for an audition. He eventually landed a major role as Duncan and stared for a year before Ant joined the cast. [ »» Read more on Ant and Dec's joint career.]
Dec had a long-term on-again off-again relationship with Clare Buckfield, until 2004. He is currently single and living in London.
Quick Facts
Height: 5'6"
Hair/eye color: Brown hair and green/blue eyes.
Hobbies: Dec, like Ant, is a massive football fan and an avid supporter of Newcastle United. He is also partial to a drink and likes going down the pub with mates. He also loves playing footy, usually as a midfield.
Favourites: Chinese food, larger, Charlie and Chocolate Factory, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Fears: Pigeons (or as he describes it 'any kind of feathered... beaked bird'.
