Declan Donnelly congratulated by Pope and Prince Charles

Speaking to The Sun ” s Stuart Pink, a source explained: “Dec and Ali could not believe the big names Ant managed to get on board.

Just moments before the presenter’s flash arrival, the likes of Holly Willoughby, Tess Daly and husband Vernon Kay, Phillip Schofield, Paddy McGuiness and comic Leigh Francis – best known as alter-ego Keith Lemon – all turned out in their finery. “They are appreciated. My wife and I had the most unbelievable, magical, wonderful day. D x”. “I took Thomas, who’s eight, along to watch everyone going in and his cousins Faith, eight, and Ellie, 11, were there, and their mate, pal Maddison”, grandmother Michelle Tams told the Newcastle Chronicle newspaper. “It was so surreal – I had no idea”.

She and December said “I do” in a ceremony that was conducted by the groom’s brother Father Dermott Donnelly.

Dec’s comedy partner, 39-year-old Ant McPartlin, also made sure that the loved-up couple’s matrimony was given a royal seal of approval.

“I thought coming down that big staircase I’d look like a princess for the day!” said Rachel, little expecting there would be celebrity sparkle too.

“One of the security came over and said the four children – all of whom go to St Michael’s School, which is where December went – could go in”.

“It topped the wedding day”.

While she did not see Geordie favourites December and TV co-star Ant, their famous company included JLS stars, TV presenter Fearn Cotton and – a favourite of her mum Lynn Richardson – ITV presenter Ben Shephard who came into the breakfast room to introduce himself to her wedding party. The bride looked attractive in her crisp and elegant gown, which she paired with a dainty veil and a bouquet of white roses.

Photographs followed later following a guest’s request on behalf of Rachel, who describes herself as “a massive silver fox fan” of This Morning presenter Schofied.

“It was fantastic. They live just down the street from where December grew up in Cruddas Park, and to see him back at the local church was really nice”.

Ant and December arrived at the church in style yesterday, kitted out in royal blue Tom Baker suits as they pulled up in a snazzy Aston Martin Vanquisher Carbon.