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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

Grieving Declan Donnelly likes touching quote about loss after brother's sudden death

Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin have liked a heartfelt quote about loss on social media after Dec's older brother Dermott's sudden death.

Dec's sibling Father Dermott tragically passed away aged 55 after being "seriously ill" in hospital - leaving his family "beyond devastated".

Dec, 46, as well as his presenting partner Ant, 46, have both commented on the tragic news, with their joint account on Instagram also liking a heartwarming quote about loss.

The account liked a tweet by @Zen_Moments yesterday which read: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." The quote is attributed to the late Dr Seuss.

Ant McPartlin (left) and Dec Donnelly (right) have tweeted about the passing of the latter's brother Father Dermott Donnelly (centre) this week (Chronicle Live)

Announcing his brother's passing on the platform, Dec had tweeted: "I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr. Dermott sadly passed away this afternoon."

The Britain's Got Talent presenter had concluded by writing: "We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support. They are appreciated."

Ant later paid tribute, writing in a tweet earlier: "Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten."

The presenter - who has worked with Dec since 1989 - further commented: "My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. The world has lost a special man."

Father Dermott - who is said to have been a priest for 30 years - is understood to have officiated younger brother Dec's wedding to now-wife Ali Astall, 43, back in 2015.

It was revealed that Father Dermott had passed away yesterday (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Father Peter Kyi Maung, 45 - who's said to have served with Father Dermott at St Joseph's Church in County Durham - told the Mirror that he'd visited his colleague in hospital.

"He was hardly breathing in the bed, it was so sad. They think he had bleeding on the brain," the priest said. Father Maung said relatives had come to visit Father Dermott.

And paying tribute, Father Maung commented: "[Father Dermott] was a very good priest, a kind priest, I was inspired by him to serve here. He was such a good guy."

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