Ant McPartlin has shared his own public tribute following the death of his co-star Declan Donnelly's brother. The tragic news of the death of Father Dermott Donnelly, who was a Catholic priest, was confirmed on Friday (July 8).
The diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced the news that Father Dermott had died peacefully in hospital, aged 55, following a short illness.
Later confirming the news, TV presenter Dec, 46, wrote on Twitter: "I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated."
He later added: "Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated." A spokesperson for Dec said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital surrounded by his family and close friends. We ask for the utmost privacy for the Donnelly family at this difficult time."
Ant, who has worked and been friends with Dec for around 30 years, took to social media on Saturday morning (July 9) to share his own tribute. He tweeted: "Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten. My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. The world has lost a special man."
The tweet was soon being flooded with more supportive messages. @antxdec_fan said: "All my thoughts are with the family at this time." @jowadders01 replied: "God bless him. Thoughts are with you and all of Dec’s family."
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 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."
Father Dermott, who is eight years older than Dec, is understood to have been a priest for 30 years. He officiated at the wedding of Dec to Ali Astall in Newcastle in a star-studded ceremony in 2015.
Speaking about his relationship with his brother, Dermott previously said: "I don’t advertise that I’m Dec’s brother, but the kids always seem to know. It bridges the gap between me and them."
Dec is one of seven children, and was raised on Newcastle's Cruddas Park estate with three brothers - Martin, Eamonn and Dermott - and three sisters - Camelia, Patricia and Moira, the Mirror reports. Father Dermott took Holy Orders in 1992 in the same cathedral he officiated at his brother's wedding.
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