The Catholic priest brother of ITV star Declan Donnelly has died at the age of 55.
Father Dermott Donnelly, who was rector of St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham, died peacefully at the hospital on Friday afternoon after a brief illness.
Declan, 46, is said to have been with members of his family next to his brother’s bed during his last hours.
The TV star tweeted, “I am saddened to tell you that my dear brother P. Dermott has died sadly this afternoon. We are all more than devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.”
A statement shared by the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Fr. Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital.
“This has been a big shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the rest of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Image: It was understood that Declan Donnelly was with his brother in his last hours
The statement said funeral arrangements are currently being made.
Father Dermott had hosted Declan’s starring wedding to Ali Astall in Newcastle in 2015, with guests such as Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield, Dermot O’Leary and Declan’s television partner, Ant McPartlin.
Father Dermott had recently been invited to No. 10 by outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pray for peace alongside other religious leaders after the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
The respected priest had described the visit as “a real privilege”, saying that “the best weapon we had was prayer”.
I’m a celebrity … Presenter Declan Donnelly, Get Me Out of Here, is the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.
The actor and presenter has previously said that he set out to follow in the footsteps of his older brother briefly and become a priest, before succeeding in the entertainment world.
He has not yet publicly commented on his brother’s death.