Father Dermott Donnelly – who was parish priest at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham – died peacefully in hospital on Friday afternoon after a short illness. Declan, 46, was reportedly with family members at his brother’s bedside in his final hours. The TV star wrote on Twitter: “It is with a broken heart that my beloved brother Fr Dermot has sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, we appreciate it. “ A statement released 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 passed away peacefully this afternoon in hospital. “This was a big 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.” Image: Declan Donnelly was understood to be with his brother in his final hours The announcement then states that funeral arrangements are currently being made. Father Dermott had organized Declan’s star-studded 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 Dermot had recently been invited to Number 10 by outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pray for peace with other religious leaders following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The revered priest had described the visit as a “real privilege”, saying “the best weapon we had was prayer”. I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Presenter Declan Donnelly is the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. The actor and presenter has previously stated that he briefly considered following in his older brother’s footsteps and becoming a priest, before finding success in showbiz. He has yet to publicly comment on his brother’s death.
