Declan Donnelly has broken his silence following the death of his brother, Dermott, aged 55 following a serious illness.
Dec wrote via the Ant and Dec official Twitter account: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated. DD.”
Dec was inundated with support from his fans and many who knew Dermott took to the comments to offer their messages of condolence.
Bethany echoed: “Oh no, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Donnelly family. I remember watching him online speak at a youth event, he was a great speaker and seemed like such a great guy.”
Joanne added: “Thinking of you all at this very sad time. I know he was a huge inspiration to many young people of the Stanley/Consett area with the youth village and churches. I know a lot of young people I have worked with spoke very highly of him. RIP Father Dermott.”
And Tara wrote: “I am so sorry to hear this and send sympathies to the whole family. I remember fondly a cultural trip with him to Belgium in 1984 and my mam was only talking to him about this 2 weeks ago. RIP Fr Dermott.”
Dermott’s death was announced on Friday after he became seriously ill and was rushed to hospital.
It is understood that Dermott’s family rushed to be by his side and prayed he would “pull through”.
A source explained to The Sun that “around 12” family members were by his bedside, including younger brother Dec.
It read: “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital.
“This has come as a great shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.
“Funeral arrangements will follow when finalised.”
Dermott started out as a curate in Chester-le-Street and took Holy Orders in 1992.
He was also asked by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to set up a youth outreach programme aimed at introducing disadvantaged young people to the Catholic Church.
In 2015, he officiated Dec’s wedding to Ali Astall, with Ant as best man.
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