Declan Donnelly has apologised after accidentally leaving an M&S store at Bridgwater Services without paying, later fearing he could be arrested for what he described as an unintentional shoplifting incident.
The television presenter recounted the mishap on the Hanging Out With Ant & Dec podcast, explaining that he had stopped at the motorway services with his wife, Ali Astall, while travelling home from Cornwall.
Donnelly said he selected sandwiches, crisps, a sweet treat and a sharing dish before taking the items to a self-service checkout. He scanned the food, picked up a bag for life and used his M&S Sparks card, but then walked away without completing the payment.
He did not realise what had happened until he was back on the road and had started eating an egg and maple bacon sandwich.
“I haven’t paid for this,” Donnelly recalled telling his wife, before attempting to contact the services. When he could not get through, he called his office and told staff: “I’m really sorry, I have just shoplifted from Bridgwater Services. My heart rate is slightly raised. I think I’m going to get arrested.”
His team then contacted the store. Donnelly said staff recognised him and told his representatives that there was nothing they could do to resolve the matter after he had left, but asked him to make a charitable donation.
The presenter said he donated more than the value of the food, adding that he believed the money went to Mind. He said the contribution was intended to cover the cost of the sandwiches and other items.
McPartlin responded with jokes about his presenting partner becoming a “thief”, while Donnelly repeatedly made clear that he had not intended to take the food without paying.
