ITV star Declan Donnelly’s Catholic priest brother has died aged 55.
Father Dermott Donnelly – parish priest at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham – died in hospital on Friday afternoon after a brief illness.
DeclanThe 46-year-old is said to have been with family members at his brother’s bedside in his final hours.
The TV star tweeted: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my beloved brother Father Dermott passed away sadly this afternoon. We are all devastated. Thank you all. you have sent messages of sympathy and support, they are greatly appreciated.”
A statement shared by the dioceses of Hexham and Newcastle said: “We are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of Father Dermott Donnelly, who passed away in hospital this afternoon.
“This is a huge shock to all of us.
“Please pray for his soul’s burial and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Declan Donnelly is understood to be with his brother in his final hours
The statement went on to say funeral arrangements are currently underway.
Father Dermott conducted Declan’s all-star wedding to Ali Astall in Newcastle in 2015, with guests including Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield, Dermot O’Leary and Declan’s TV partner Ant McPartlin.
Father Dermott was recently invited by outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Number 10 to pray for peace along with other religious leaders after the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
The venerable priest described the visit as “a real privilege”, saying that “the best weapon we have is prayer.”
I’m A Celebrity… Host Declan Donnelly is the youngest of seven siblings.
The actor and former host said he briefly considered following in his brother’s footsteps and becoming a priest, before finding success in showbiz.
He has yet to comment publicly on his brother’s death.
