Dec Donnelly’s brother Dermot has died at 55 after being rushed to hospital with a serious illness. The devastating news was announced today as the priest’s loved ones ask for prayers.
Father Dermot had been taken seriously ill in hospital and his family rushed to be at his bedside.
A source explained they all prayed he would “pull through”.
“Dec arrived with other family members. There are around 12 of them there at the hospital,” they told The Sun.
But tragically, a statement from the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle announced Dermott died today.
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He added: “Dermott was away training to be a priest, so I’d only really see him in school holidays, when we’d have a real laugh together.
“Later on, when I was about fourteen, I did briefly consider following in his footsteps, and the footsteps of my Godfather, Father O’Connell, and becoming a priest.
“Then I got the bus home from school one day and it was full of lasses from the local girl’s school, Sacred Heart.
“I knew right there and then that the priesthood wasn’t for me.”
In 2015, Father Dermott conducted Dec’s wedding to Ali Astall, with Ant as best man.
Dec also lost his dad, Alphonsus, to cancer in 2011.
Ahead of his nuptials, the star said: “There is always someone you are going to miss and for me it’s my dad.
“I always hoped he would see me marry, but these things happen. I know he’s proud of me. My mum will be there though, and all my friends.”