Declan Donnelly Pushes Little Jack, 3, Through the Airport as He Heads Back to the UK With His Family After the Emotional I’m A Celebrity Finale

After three chaotic weeks in the Australian jungle, one emotional finale, and dozens of sleepless production nights, Declan Donnelly is officially heading home—yet it wasn’t the TV legend himself who grabbed the spotlight at the airport. Instead, it was his adorable three-year-old son Jack, who stole hearts and camera lenses as the Donnelly family prepared to fly back to the UK following the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! finale.

The return journey is an annual ritual for Dec, but this year, with his young son perched proudly on a luggage cart and his wife Ali Astall by his side, the usually stressful airport dash turned into an unexpectedly wholesome family moment.

A FAMILY REUNION AFTER A DEMANDING TV SEASON

Throughout this year’s I’m A Celebrity season, fans noticed Dec dropping small hints about missing home. With long filming nights, intense live segments, and a schedule that often pushed past midnight, the presenter openly confessed to close crew members that he “couldn’t wait to hug the kids again.”

So when Dec arrived at Gold Coast Airport just hours after the finale, alongside wife Ali, daughter Isla, and little Jack, it felt as though the jungle marathon had officially come to an end. Dressed casually in a navy T-shirt, khaki shorts, and white trainers, Dec looked noticeably relaxed. Ali opted for a flowing maxi dress, carrying herself with her usual quiet elegance.

But the star of the morning?
Jack.

Wearing a white T-shirt, blue shorts, and clutching a fuzzy koala plushie—his “new best friend,” according to a nearby onlooker—the toddler rode in style as his dad pushed him through the terminal.

THE ADORABLE AIRPORT MOMENT EVERYONE WAS TALKING ABOUT

Travellers at the airport didn’t take long to notice the family. According to several witnesses, Dec greeted fans with warm smiles and quick photos, never letting go of the luggage cart where Jack sat, legs swinging above the floor.

One passenger recalled:

“Dec seemed genuinely happy, but Jack was the one making everyone melt. He kept turning around asking his dad: ‘Are we going on the big plane now?’ It was so sweet.”

As the family moved toward the check-in desk, Dec bent down to whisper something to his son—whatever it was sent Jack into a fit of giggles that drew smiles from everyone nearby. It was a picture-perfect contrast to the pressure-packed atmosphere of the I’m A Celebrity set, where each live broadcast demands laser-focus and alertness.

THIS YEAR’S FINALE HIT DIFFERENT FOR DEC

This season’s finale was particularly emotional, with its surprise winner, record-breaking votes, and a dramatic closing episode that fans are still buzzing about. But behind the scenes, crew members say this year was also one of the toughest for Dec.

Unpredictable weather forced last-minute changes to the shooting schedule, several trials required overnight resets, and the show’s massive scale meant longer work hours than usual.

A production insider shared:

“Dec was a total pro, as always, but you could tell he really missed his kids this year. When he found out Ali and the children would join him in Australia by the final week, he lit up.”

That emotional lift clearly carried him through the finale night, where fans noticed his brighter-than-usual energy and warmth on screen.

THE BALANCE OF FAME AND NORMAL DAD LIFE

Despite being half of one of the most iconic presenting duos in British television history, Dec has always worked hard to keep his private life grounded and his children shielded from the spotlight. He shares photos sparingly and rarely brings his kids to public events.

That’s why the airport moment—natural, unscripted, and entirely unplanned—felt so special.

One airport staff member observed:

“He checked the straps on Jack’s seat twice, adjusted the kid’s hat, and asked him if he was hungry. He didn’t act like a celebrity. Just a dad making sure everything was alright.”

ALI ASTALL: THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE FAMILY TOGETHER

Though Dec is the famous one, those close to the couple often credit Ali Astall, his wife of nine years and former talent manager, for keeping the family running smoothly, especially during the demanding jungle season.

Ali was seen carrying Isla’s backpack, pushing an extra suitcase, and coordinating their travel documents all while talking calmly to both children. A friend of the family revealed:

“Ali is incredibly organised. She makes it possible for Dec to focus on the show without worrying about what’s happening at home.”

She reportedly arranged the mini holiday extension in Australia, giving the children time to explore beaches, wildlife parks, and playgrounds before the long flight.

THE 24-HOUR JOURNEY HOME—AND WHAT AWAITS IN LONDON

The family boarded a nearly 24-hour flight to London, a challenge for any parents with small children. But according to one flight attendant, little Jack handled it surprisingly well.

“He kept asking, ‘When will we see Nana?’ It was adorable. He’s clearly very attached to his family back home.”

Dec, meanwhile, was seen watching animated films with him, sharing snacks, and walking him up and down the aisle during restless moments.

Back in the UK, the Donnelly household is preparing for the festive season, which Dec has always described as his “reset button” after the hectic I’m A Celebrity schedule.

A QUIET CHRISTMAS… OR MAYBE A LOUD ONE

Sources close to the couple say Dec is hoping for a peaceful Christmas filled with family dinners, long naps, and time outdoors with the kids. But those who know the Donnellys well hint that the house will likely be bustling.

One family friend shared:

“Dec’s planning to decorate the biggest tree he’s ever had. It’s the first year Jack is old enough to properly understand Santa, so Dec is even more excited than the kids.”

The TV host is reportedly preparing a Santa letter-writing session, baking cookies with Isla, and assembling toys late into Christmas Eve — all traditions he cherishes.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS — FANS CAN’T GET ENOUGH

When photos from the airport surfaced online, fans immediately flooded comment sections with praise and heart emojis:

“Jack is too cute for words!”

“Dec looks like the sweetest dad.”

“This family is just pure joy.”

Some joked that Jack should be given a cameo on next year’s I’m A Celebrity for “stealing the spotlight before even boarding the plane.”

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

In a world where celebrities often shield every part of their lives, this tiny glimpse into Dec’s post-finale routine felt refreshing. No staged photos. No PR positioning. Just a father pushing his son through airport chaos, heading home after weeks of work, eager to return to normalcy.

It’s a reminder that behind the iconic catchphrases, the polished live shows, and the years of fame, Declan Donnelly is still just a kind-hearted dad who adores his family.

And while the I’m A Celebrity finale may have dominated headlines, it was this simple, sweet airport moment — Dec, Ali, and little Jack together — that truly warmed the hearts of fans around the world.