TV presenter Declan Donnelly has broken his silence after the heartbreaking death of his brother, describing his family as "beyond devastated."
Father Dermott Donnelly died at just 55-years-old, and the TV star is said to have raced to his brother's side after he fell seriously ill.
Catholic priest Father Donnelly , who officiated Dec's wedding in 2015, is understood to have been hospitalised after he collapsed.
In a tweet, Dec, 46, said: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.”
A spokesman for Dec also told the Mirror: "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."
Dec is one of seven children. He and his siblings were raised on Newcastle's Cruddas Park estate.
Father Dermott took Holy Orders in 1992 in the same cathedral he officiated at his brother's wedding.
He started out as a curate in Chester-le-Street until, a couple of years later, he was asked by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to set up a youth outreach programme aimed at introducing disadvantaged youngsters to the Catholic Church.
The sad news was also confirmed by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
A statement shared by the Bishop said: "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."
It was reported Britain's Got Talent host Dec had rushed to be by his brother's side. The source told The Sun: "Dec arrived with other family members. There are around 12 of them there at the hospital."
And people across the country have already shared tributes to Father Donnelly on Twitter.
One wrote: "Thinking of Declan and his family thoughts and prayers are with them today. Rip father dermott Donnelly xx".
"Condolences, love, strength and prayers to the family and friends for their sad loss. May Father Donnelly Rest in Peace and Love," another added.
And a third wrote: "Very sad to see Father Dermott Donnelly has passed away. Whenever he visited us at St. Cuthbert's High School, he was a fantastic priest. Thoughts are with his family."
Earlier today (Friday July 8) it was reported that Dec's brother was in hospital with a serious illness.
The news was revealed as prayers were being held for him by the Catholic community and Pontop Partnership, a partnership of ten Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, took to Facebook to release a statement on the sad news.
As reported by Chronicle Live, they posted: "Please pray for Fr. Dermott Donnelly who is seriously ill in hospital."
