In an era where fame and fortune often dictate the headlines, Declan Donnelly, one half of Britain’s beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec, has redefined what it means to be a star. Known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and decades-long career on shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent, Donnelly has long been a household name. But his latest move has left fans, colleagues, and even industry insiders in awe: he turned down a multimillion-pound television deal to fund a school for disabled children in his hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne. The decision, sparked by a single, unforgettable moment—a child’s radiant smile—has ignited a wave of admiration and inspired countless others to rethink their priorities.
A Career Built on Connection
Declan Donnelly, affectionately known as Dec, has spent over three decades in the spotlight. From his early days as a child actor on Byker Grove to his meteoric rise alongside Ant McPartlin, Dec has charmed audiences with his authenticity and relatability. The duo’s chemistry has powered some of the UK’s most iconic programs, earning them accolades, wealth, and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Yet, despite his glittering career, Dec has always maintained a deep connection to his roots in Newcastle, a working-class city in northeast England known for its tight-knit communities and resilient spirit.
It was this connection that set the stage for a decision that would change not only Dec’s life but also the lives of countless children. While Dec has never been one to flaunt his philanthropy, those close to him say his commitment to giving back has always been a quiet but powerful force. Over the years, he’s supported various charities, from children’s hospitals to mental health initiatives, often without fanfare. But his latest endeavor—a school designed specifically for children with disabilities—marks a new chapter in his legacy.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The story begins in the spring of 2024, during a low-key visit to a local community center in Newcastle. Dec, who often returns to his hometown when his filming schedule allows, had been invited to meet with families supported by a regional charity for disabled children. It was meant to be a brief appearance—a chance to shake hands, share a few laughs, and lend his name to a worthy cause. But as Dec mingled with the families, one moment stopped him in his tracks.
A young girl, no older than seven, sat in a wheelchair near the back of the room. Her condition made it difficult for her to communicate verbally, but her eyes sparkled with a joy that seemed to light up the space. When Dec knelt beside her to say hello, she broke into a wide, radiant smile—a smile so pure and unguarded that it left him speechless. “It was like she saw right through me,” Dec later shared with a close friend. “In that moment, nothing else mattered—not the cameras, not the fame, nothing. Just her.”
That smile stayed with him. In the days that followed, Dec couldn’t shake the image of the girl’s face or the realization that children like her often face barriers to education and opportunity. Many schools, even those with the best intentions, lack the resources, staff, or facilities to fully support students with complex needs. For Dec, a father of two young children himself, the thought of any child being left behind was unbearable. He knew he had to act.
A Multimillion-Pound Crossroads
At the same time, Dec was facing a pivotal moment in his career. A major television network had approached him with an offer that could have solidified his status as one of the industry’s top earners. The deal, rumored to be worth over £10 million, included a multi-year contract to host a new primetime show, complete with international syndication and a hefty production budget. For most, it would have been a no-brainer—an opportunity to expand their brand and secure their financial future.
But Dec saw things differently. The more he thought about the offer, the more it clashed with the memory of that girl’s smile. He began researching the state of education for disabled children in the UK, uncovering sobering statistics: thousands of children with special needs wait months or even years for appropriate school placements, and many families struggle to access specialized support. In Newcastle, a city he holds dear, the need was particularly acute. Dec realized that the money from the TV deal could do more than pad his bank account—it could transform lives.
After weeks of soul-searching and late-night conversations with his wife, Ali Astall, Dec made his choice. He politely declined the network’s offer, a decision that stunned executives and sent ripples through the entertainment world. Instead, he committed to redirecting his resources—both financial and personal—toward a bold new vision: a state-of-the-art school in Newcastle dedicated to children with disabilities.
Building a Legacy of Inclusion
The school, tentatively named The Smile Academy in honor of the girl who inspired it, is now in the early stages of development. Dec has partnered with local educators, architects, and disability advocates to design a facility that goes beyond traditional special education. The academy will feature sensory rooms, adaptive playgrounds, and cutting-edge technology to support students with a range of physical and cognitive needs. Classrooms will be staffed by specialists trained in inclusive teaching methods, and the curriculum will emphasize not only academics but also life skills, creativity, and emotional well-being.
To fund the project, Dec has poured a significant portion of his personal wealth into the initiative, supplemented by fundraising events and contributions from his network of industry contacts. He’s also leveraging his platform to raise awareness, hosting charity galas and speaking at community events to rally support. “This isn’t about me,” Dec said at a recent fundraiser, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s about giving every child a chance to shine, no matter what challenges they face.”
The response from the public has been overwhelming. Social media platforms have lit up with messages of admiration, with fans calling Dec a “true hero” and “a man with a heart of gold.” Parents of disabled children have shared personal stories, thanking him for shining a light on an often-overlooked issue. Even his longtime presenting partner, Ant McPartlin, has joined the cause, pledging to match donations and promote the project on their joint platforms.
A Community United
In Newcastle, the impact of Dec’s decision is already being felt. The Smile Academy is expected to create dozens of jobs, from teachers to therapists to support staff, boosting the local economy. More importantly, it’s fostering a sense of hope among families who have long felt marginalized. “For someone like Dec to step up like this, it means the world,” said one Newcastle mother, whose son has autism. “It shows our kids matter.”
Construction is slated to begin in late 2025, with the school aiming to welcome its first students by 2027. Dec has vowed to remain hands-on, visiting the site regularly and meeting with families to ensure the project stays true to its mission. He’s also working to establish a scholarship fund to cover tuition for low-income families, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial hardship.
A Smile That Started It All
As the project moves forward, Dec remains grounded by the memory of the girl whose smile set everything in motion. Though he’s kept her identity private to respect her family’s wishes, he’s reached out to them privately, sharing his plans and expressing his gratitude. “She’s the real star of this story,” he’s said. “All I’m doing is trying to honor what she showed me that day.”
For Declan Donnelly, the decision to trade a multimillion-pound deal for a school that changes lives wasn’t about sacrifice—it was about purpose. In a world that often celebrates wealth and status, he’s chosen to measure success by the smiles he can inspire. As The Smile Academy takes shape, it stands as a testament to the power of one moment, one choice, and one heart determined to make a difference.
