Dec's parents unmoved

From the Northern Echo, first published Wednesday 27th Dec 2000.

THE PARENTS of North-East TV star Declan Donnelly have shunned the chance to live in luxury.

Donnelly, half of the celebrity duo Ant and Dec, has made repeated offers to move his mother, Anne, and father, Alphonsus, into a new house on Tyneside.

But they prefer their three-bedroom council home in Newcastle's Cruddas Park, where they have brought up their seven children over 32 years.

Mrs Donnelly said her celebrated son was "always on at us to move" during his visits home.

"We've been to see a few places with him. But then he leaves again and we just forget about it. This is home to us and it always will be," she said.

"I know people will wonder why we would want to stay, as it is seen as a bit rough around here. But, the fact is, we love it. I can walk into the city centre to the shops, and all our friends are here."

The family still pays rent on the house, although they could purchase it under the right-to-buy scheme.

Dec, the youngest of the seven Donnelly children, at 25, recently signed a £2m contract with TV partner Ant McPartlin to remain with ITV.

When he visits his parents he stays in his old bedroom.

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