Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall: a closer look at the parents-to-be's love story

Congratulations to Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall! The couple have just announced they are expecting their first child, and in honour of their baby news, we're taking a look back at their romantic love story.

The couple started dating in 2013 and managed to keep their blossoming relationship under wraps for a few months, before they confirmed their romance in public. Dec, 42, had been close friends with Ali, his long-term talent agent, for over a decade. Their chemistry was clear to see, but the pair had always been reluctant to act on their feelings because of their working relationship.

Dec has previously said: "When she was single and I was single we'd go out for dinner on Valentine's night together (as friends) because we didn't have partners." In 2013, they finally took the plunge and started dating.

Click through our gallery to see Dec and Ali's love story…

MORE: Fans congratulate Dec and Ali on their baby news

Dec and Ali told their bosses at celebrity agency James Grant Management, the company where Ali works and which oversees both Dec's career and that of his on-screen partner Ant McPartlin.

At the time, a source told The Sun: "They adored each other for years and people often thought they were together — but it's only recently they finally became an item. They kept it quiet for ages but are at last coming to terms with being a couple in public."

The source added: "They have told their families the news as they all know each other anyway. To be honest, it hasn't come as much of a surprise to some because they'd always been close."

After a year and a half of dating, Dec popped the question in 2014 when the pair were working in Australia. The TV star was filming I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! while Ali had travelled with him as his manager.

During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Dec revealed: "It got to the last evening and we'd organised dinner on the beach. We went round to one side of the island, the only place on the island where you can see the sun set, and we just went round and we watched the sunset go down and we did it there, it was lovely."

Family, friends and fans were no doubt thrilled for Dec. A source told the Mirror: "Dec and Ali are completely besotted with each other. They have been best friends for a long time. Dec soon realised that the he'd met the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and felt ready to settle down."

The couple's star-studded wedding took place on 1 August 2015 in the groom's hometown of Newcastle. Dec called it "the most amazing, magical, wonderful day" and thanked fans for their well wishes. His best friend, Ant, acted as best man, delivering a hilarious speech.

GALLERY: The best photos from Dec and Ali's beautiful wedding

The star-studded nuptials took place at St Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Elswick, close to where Dec was born. Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Ashley Roberts, Dermot O'Leary, Phillip Schofield, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, and Vernon Kay and Tess Daly were just some of the celebrity guests who were spotted at the church.

But the famous attendees couldn't draw the attention away from Dec's leading lady, Ali, who wowed in a silk couture wedding dress designed by British creative Phillipa Lepley. The bride looked beautiful in her crisp and elegant gown, which she paired with a dainty veil and a bouquet of white roses.

Compared to their first days of dating, Ali has made more of an appearance in the spotlight. She's walked the red carpet numerous times, supporting her husband at award ceremonies from the BAFTAs to the NTAs, where Ant and Dec recently scooped their 17th Best Presenter award in January. Ali and Dec have also made loved-up appearances at Royal Ascot.

She also stood proudly by his side at Buckingham Palace, when Dec collected his OBE from Prince Charles, alongside his best friend Ant. The TV stars were recognised for their services to broadcasting and entertainment.

Congratulations again to Dec and Ali!