Declan Donnelly has found himself at the centre of an amusing confession after revealing that he accidentally walked out of an M&S store without paying for his food. The TV presenter was travelling back to London after a holiday in Cornwall with his wife Ali Astall when he stopped at Bridgwater Services on the M5 for something to eat.
His routine food stop turned into an unexpected story on the Hanging Out With Ant And Dec podcast where Donnelly admitted that he “broke the law” and “nearly got arrested.” The incident involved a self-service checkout, a Sparks card and a sandwich that he only realised he had not paid for after he had already started eating it.
But who is Declan Donnelly beyond the headlines? Here is everything to know about the presenter, comedian and one half of Ant & Dec.
What Happened To Declan Donnelly At Bridgwater Services?
Donnelly stopped at Bridgwater Services with Ali while travelling home from Cornwall. After visiting the on-site M&S, the couple picked up sandwiches, crisps and a “little sweet treat,” before adding a “little bang bang chicken” to their haul.
At the self-service checkout, Donnelly scanned the items and picked up a bag for life because he had too much to carry. He then scanned his Sparks card before walking away without actually completing the payment.
He only realised what had happened while eating an egg and maple bacon sandwich.
“As I was tucking into me egg and maple bacon sandwich,” he told Ant that he suddenly realised he had not paid. He then tried contacting the services but could not get through, eventually asking his team to contact them on his behalf.
The services reportedly told his team: “Thank you for your honesty, but honestly, there’s nothing we can do now, but please make a donation to our charity.”
Donnelly said he made the suggested donation and handed over slightly more than the cost of the food.
Who Is Declan Donnelly?
Declan Donnelly is an English television presenter, producer and comedian. He is best known as one half of Ant & Dec, alongside Anthony McPartlin.
The pair have become two of Britain’s most recognisable television personalities.
Donnelly first became known as a teenager through the BBC children’s drama Byker Grove, where he played Duncan. It was also where he met McPartlin who played PJ.
The pair later formed the pop duo PJ & Duncan and enjoyed major success with songs including Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble before eventually making presenting their main career.
What Shows Has Declan Donnelly Hosted?
Ant & Dec went on to become household names through shows including SMTV Live, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
Declan Donnelly Age
Declan Donnelly was born on September 25, 1975, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He turned 50 in 2025.
Declan Donnelly Wife
Declan Donnelly has been married to talent manager Ali Astall since 2015. The couple have two children together.
Declan Donnelly Net Worth
He reportedly has an estimated net worth of approximately £62 million (around $80 million USD).
