Declan Donnelly ‘to tie the knot with his manager Ali Astall’

The day has finally come for bachelor Declan Donnelly to get hitched as he prepares to marry his manager Ali Astall.

Ant, is expected to deliver a “hilarious speech” as his best man. Meanwhile, Declan’s priest brother Father Dermott Donnely will reportedly conduct the church service and has picked out hymns and prayers.

A host of famous faces from British broadcasting are set to attend the wedding including Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness and Leigh Francis.

December popped the question to Ali – who has been his manager for over ten years – in November while the pair were in Australia where he was filming I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ presenter said: “It felt right for him to go back to Newcastle because December is such a proud Geordie”. Get Me Out Of Here! for the latest series.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “It’s a lovely group of people who have been close to December and Ali for years”.

Speaking about his late dad Alphonsus, who lost his battle with cancer aged 78 in 2011, December said earlier this year: “There is always someone you are going to miss and for me it’s my dad”. December always wanted to get married before he turned 40, which happens next month. “I know I’ve got somewhere to be today but I can’t for the life of me remember where…”

Donnelly was best man at his on-screen partner’s 2006 wedding to make-up artist Lisa Armstrong and McPartlin said he was looking forward to returning the favour. Mirror St Michael’s church where Declan Donnelly is ’cause of be married today He added: “My mom might be there although, & all my buddies”. I’m happy for him and Ali.

Donnelly, who first found fame with McPartlin in teenage drama Byker Grove, previously dated actress Clare Buckfield and TV presenter Georgie Thompson.