Picture this: It’s a rainy Tuesday afternoon, and I’m scrolling through my phone, half-watching an old Ant & Dec compilation. Suddenly, I see Dec—Declan Donnelly—holding a tiny, giggling bundle in a studio backstage. That little human is his daughter, and I had zero idea how old she was. If you’ve ever had that exact moment of confusion—“Wait, is she five? Ten?”—you’re not alone.
So here’s the deal: we’re talking about Declan Donnelly’s daughter’s age as of 2026. And spoiler alert—she’s not a baby anymore. Isla Elizabeth Anne Donnelly, the only child of Dec and his wife Ali Astall, was born on September 1, 2018. That makes her seven years old in 2026. Yes, already seven. Time really does fly when you’re busy watching I’m a Celebrity.
The Birth That Broke the Internet (and Dec’s Sleep Schedule)
When Isla arrived back in 2018, Dec literally announced it live on This Morning. Can you imagine? You’re a presenter, you’re about to go on air, and you casually drop, “Oh, by the way, I’m a dad now.” Classic Dec move. He and Ali kept things pretty private after that—no endless Instagram baby posts like the rest of us.
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But here’s the irony: even though Dec is one of the most famous faces in Britain, he’s oddly protective. You won’t see Isla’s face plastered on billboards or in tabloids. Privacy is their VIP pass. And honestly? Good for them. Would you want your toddler’s photos floating around the internet? Exactly.
So, How Old Is She in 2026? Let’s Do the Math
We’re in 2026 now. Isla was born on September 1, 2018. That means she turned seven in September 2025. So for most of 2026—until September—she’s still seven. After that? She hits the big 8. Eight years old. That’s proper school-age, with homework and friendship dramas and probably a strict bedtime that Dec and Ali definitely enforce. Or do they? Probably not.
Ant McPartlin takes Declan Donnelly's daughter for an ice cream | The
Now, if you’re doing the mental timeline: Dec was 42 when Isla was born. In 2026, he’s 50. Fifty. And he’s got a seven-year-old running around. That’s a decade and a half between them—just like my dad and me. It changes the vibe, you know? Less “hip young dad” and more “I’ll read you a bedtime story then fall asleep myself.”
What’s Life Like for Dec and Ali in 2026?
I imagine their house in London is a controlled chaos. Isla is probably into gymnastics, unicorns, or whatever TikTok trend seven-year-olds are obsessed with these days. Dec, the sweetheart that he is, probably does the school run incognito—fake glasses, a hat, the works. Meanwhile, Ali (Astall) manages his career and their family life like a boss.
And here’s the kicker: Dec has said in interviews that becoming a dad changed him completely. He’s more cautious, less impulsive. He even took a break from Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 to spend time with Isla. That’s huge for a guy who thrives on live TV chaos. So when you ask “how old is Isla?” you’re really asking how much life has reshaped him. The answer: a lot.
Declan Donnelly reveals the hard truth about parenting his daughter
The Awkward Reality: She’s Growing Up, He’s Getting Greyer
Let’s be real—Dec is still looking good for 50. But Isla? She’s probably taller than you think. Kids at seven go through growth spurts like they’re shot from a cannon. One minute they’re waist-high; the next, they’re eyeing your ice cream. Watch your cone, Dec.
Also, there’s that invisible pressure: Dec and Ali are famously private, but the world still wants to know. Paparazzi snaps from 2024 showed Isla holding Dec’s hand, skipping down a street. She looked about five there. Now, two years later, she’s probably less “skipping” and more “rolling her eyes when Dad sings.” Welcome to parenthood, Dec.
I'm A Celeb's Declan Donnelly cuddles up to daughter before heading to
And What About Ant? Uncle Ant Status?
Ant McPartlin—Dec’s best friend and TV half—is also a dad now, to son Wilder (born 2024). So imagine the double trouble: Isla (7) and Wilder (2) running around while Ant and Dec try to rehearse for Saturday Night Takeaway. Good luck, lads. Isla is probably bossing Wilder around, which is hilarious given the age gap.
So, to wrap this up: Declan Donnelly’s daughter is seven years old in 2026 until September, then eight. She’s not a toddler anymore. She’s a full-blown kid with opinions, a school schedule, and a dad who still can’t believe he’s this lucky. And yes, I’m jealous of her bedtime stories.
Next time you watch Dec on TV, just remember: he’s probably thinking about school pickup times. And isn’t that the most relatable thing about a superstar? Dad mode never takes a holiday.
