Declan Donnelly, one half of the beloved British presenting duo Ant and Dec, has long been a symbol of joy and laughter on television screens, captivating audiences with his charm on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent. But in a moment of profound sorrow, Donnelly revealed the devastating loss of his older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest who passed away at the age of 55 in July 2022. His heartfelt words during the funeral—“The world is now a slightly worse place”—echoed the depth of his grief, leaving fans across the globe in tears and sparking an outpouring of support. This article explores the emotional aftermath of Dermott’s death, the context of Donnelly’s life and career, and the broader impact of his loss, delving into why this tragedy has resonated so deeply with so many.
A Devastating Loss
The heartbreaking news broke on July 8, 2022, when Declan Donnelly shared a poignant message on Twitter via the Ant and Dec account: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated.” Father Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest based at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham, had collapsed suddenly on July 7, 2022, and passed away peacefully in hospital the following day after a brief illness. The suddenness of his death, at just 55 years old, shocked the Donnelly family and their community, with Declan later admitting at the funeral that they “can’t believe he’s gone” and “still can’t understand why he’s gone.”
The funeral, held on July 29, 2022, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, was a deeply emotional event attended by hundreds, with over 2,000 more watching via livestream. Declan, visibly moved, helped carry his brother’s coffin into the cathedral, a symbolic act of love and farewell. During the Requiem Mass, he delivered a tearful tribute, saying, “Unfortunately today our world is a slightly worse place because Dermott is no longer with us.” The words captured the profound void left by Dermott’s passing, not just for the Donnelly family but for the countless lives he touched through his 30 years of service in the Catholic Church. Ant McPartlin, Declan’s lifelong friend and co-host, was also present, offering a comforting embrace outside the cathedral, a testament to their unshakable bond during this time of grief.
Father Dermott: A Life of Service
Father Dermott Donnelly was more than just Declan’s brother; he was a pillar of his community, known for his work with young people and his dedication to youth ministry. Born eight years before Declan, Dermott was the middle child of seven siblings raised on Newcastle’s Cruddas Park estate. The Donnellys—Dermott, Declan, Martin, Eamonn, Camelia, Patricia, and Moira—grew up in a modest three-bedroom house, with Dermott and Declan sharing a bunk bed. Declan recalled how, as a child, he’d leap into Dermott’s bunk when scared of imaginary monsters, with his older brother soothing him with made-up stories, a memory that highlighted their close bond.
Dermott’s calling to the priesthood was evident from a young age, with their mother, Anne, remembering him wanting to “play Mass” as a child. He took Holy Orders in 1992 and became a curate in Chester-le-Street before being tasked by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to establish a youth outreach program for disadvantaged youngsters. Over his 30-year tenure, Dermott became a guiding light for many, organizing events like the Flame gatherings at Wembley Arena, where he inspired thousands of young Catholics. His work with the charity Cafod further showcased his commitment to the marginalized, earning him tributes as a “gifted priest” who “dedicated himself every day to the service of others.” His sudden death left a void in the diocese, with Bishop Robert Byrne noting that Dermott would be “greatly missed for his sterling work with youth.”
The Public’s Response: Grief and Solidarity
The news of Dermott’s passing and Declan’s emotional tribute at the funeral reverberated across social media, with fans on X expressing their sorrow and support. “Declan’s words about the world being a worse place without Dermott broke me,” one user wrote, while another shared, “I’m so sorry for Dec and his family—Father Dermott sounded like an incredible man.” The outpouring of condolences reflected the public’s deep connection to Declan, a figure who has brought joy to millions through his work with Ant McPartlin on shows like Saturday Night Takeaway. Fans also praised Dermott’s legacy, with one comment noting, “He touched so many lives through his faith and kindness—what a loss.”
The tragedy also prompted broader reflections on grief and the fragility of life. In the UK, where sudden deaths often bring communities together, Dermott’s passing resonated as a reminder of the importance of family and service. Declan’s vulnerability—particularly his admission that the family couldn’t understand why Dermott was taken—struck a universal chord, with many fans sharing their own stories of loss. The presence of Ant McPartlin at the funeral, supporting his friend through such a personal moment, further highlighted the strength of their partnership, a bond that has endured for over three decades since their days on Byker Grove. Ant himself paid tribute, calling Dermott “the kindest, wisest man I knew,” a sentiment echoed by many who knew the priest.
Declan Donnelly: A Man in Mourning
For Declan, the loss of Dermott came at a time of personal and professional highs. By 2022, he and Ant had solidified their status as Britain’s most beloved presenting duo, with a string of successful shows and awards to their name. On a personal level, Declan had married Ali Astall in 2015—a ceremony officiated by Dermott at St Mary’s Cathedral—and welcomed their first child, Isla, in 2018. Their second child, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, arrived just weeks before Dermott’s death in July 2022, making the timing of the tragedy doubly bittersweet. The birth of Jack, whose middle name honors Ant McPartlin, was a moment of joy overshadowed by the sudden loss of Dermott, a brother who had been a constant presence in Declan’s life.
Declan’s grief was palpable in his funeral tribute, where he shared intimate memories of Dermott’s humor, sense of adventure, and lifelong dedication to his faith. He spoke of Dermott’s ability to calm him as a child, a role that extended into adulthood as Dermott officiated key moments in Declan’s life, including his wedding. The shock of the loss was compounded by its suddenness—Dermott had collapsed with a suspected brain bleed, and despite medical efforts, he passed away within 24 hours. Declan’s words, “We trust God took him because his talents were needed elsewhere,” reflected a family grappling with faith and acceptance in the face of inexplicable tragedy.
A Broader Reflection
Dermott’s death and Declan’s response highlight the universal experience of loss, particularly within the public eye. In the UK, where over 600,000 deaths occur annually, the story of a public figure mourning a loved one resonates deeply, reminding audiences of their own vulnerabilities. Dermott’s role as a priest adds another layer of significance, as his life of service underscores the impact one person can have on a community. His work with young people, often bridging generational gaps through his connection to Declan, left a legacy of hope and faith, making his loss all the more profound.
For Declan, the aftermath of Dermott’s death has likely shaped his perspective on life and family. His career, which continued with projects like I’m a Celebrity… South Africa in 2023, has been marked by a renewed appreciation for the support of fans and colleagues. The tragedy also underscores the strength of his partnership with Ant McPartlin, who stood by him during this dark time, just as Declan supported Ant through his own struggles with addiction in 2018. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of shared experiences, remains a beacon of loyalty in an often transient industry.
Why Everyone’s Talking
The emotional weight of Declan Donnelly’s loss lies in its raw authenticity: a man known for bringing laughter to millions, laid bare by grief, sharing words that resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one. “The world is now a slightly worse place” captures the universal pain of losing someone irreplaceable, while Dermott’s legacy as a priest adds a layer of inspiration to the story. For fans, it’s a reminder of Declan’s humanity, a contrast to his on-screen persona, and a chance to rally around him in support. The story also highlights the power of family and faith, themes that Dermott embodied in life and that Declan honored in his tribute. As the Donnelly family continues to heal, this moment stands as a testament to the enduring bond between brothers, proving that even in the face of heartbreak, love and memory endure.
